as in dads
an older man who acts in a paternal role to younger people
The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.
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Recent Examples of father figures
The actor has also brought that perspective to the screen, playing memorable father figures — most notably Larry in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird.
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Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
This year’s event invites fathers and father figures to treat their daughters to a dazzling night inspired by the jazz age.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Not the revenge thing, but the part about sons emulating their fathers (or father figures).
—Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025
Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
This year’s event invites fathers and father figures to treat their daughters to a dazzling night inspired by the jazz age.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Not the revenge thing, but the part about sons emulating their fathers (or father figures).
—Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figures
Noun
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Additionally, moms are more likely to receive daily photos from their kids, with 20% reporting frequent updates compared to 14% of dads.—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
9 Sep. 2025
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People shouting at the top of their lungs, including my son and I; there were a lot of dads and sons around us.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Founded by cousins Sam and Jeff King, and celebrating 80 years since their fathers began launching restaurants, King’s has become a part of the firmament of California seafood.—
Greg Mellen,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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Research from the Pew Research Center shows that mothers, especially those with young children, spend more time than fathers on both paid work and unpaid care.—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figures. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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