father figure

noun

Synonyms of father figurenext
: a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

Examples of father figure in a Sentence

The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Happy Father’s Day weekend to all of the fathers and father figures (but not in a George Michael way). — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 19 June 2026 Brooks and Wilder were extremely close as well—basically brothers, although Wilder saw Brooks as more of a father figure. — Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 David Schwimmer echoed those sentiments, describing Burrows as a mentor and father figure. — ABC News, 20 June 2026 For some men, the difficulties stem from not having had a proper father figure to learn from, or from unexpected battles with postpartum depression. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for father figure

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of father figure was in 1916

Rhymes for father figure

See All Rhymes for father figure

Browse Nearby Words

father family
father figure
fatherhood
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

father figure

noun
fa·​ther figure ˈfät͟h-ər- How to pronounce father figure (audio)
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

More from Merriam-Webster on father figure

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for father figure

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