as in dad
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 figure
As an expert, a mentor and a father figure, Tim believed deeply in the international exchange of skills and experiences to build the capacities of health workers.
—
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
The Last of Us season 2 ends with a bloodthirsty Ellie coming face-to-face with Abby, the woman who killed her ersatz father figure.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 4 June 2025
Denver Pyle played Uncle Jesse, the Duke family’s moral compass and father figure.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 July 2025
As a child, Vance watched his mom wrestle with substance use disorder and had a revolving door of father figures.
—Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
The Last of Us season 2 ends with a bloodthirsty Ellie coming face-to-face with Abby, the woman who killed her ersatz father figure.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 4 June 2025
Denver Pyle played Uncle Jesse, the Duke family’s moral compass and father figure.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 July 2025
As a child, Vance watched his mom wrestle with substance use disorder and had a revolving door of father figures.
—Haley Bemiller, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
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In June 2022, Farmer spoke about parenting on an episode of First Class Fatherhood, a podcast focused on dads and fatherhood.—
Kait Hanson,
People.com,
24 July 2025
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Frank was a working dad who was struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts at the time.—
Yola Robert,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
Noun
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His decision comes as a great disappointment to his father, William Davenport (Scott).—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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His father, Ail Smith Sr., told IndyStar this week following the announcement of arrests in the case.—
Jade Jackson,
IndyStar,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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