father figure

Definition of father figurenext
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.

Related Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of father figure Denver Pyle as Uncle Jesse Duke Pyle — who had already appeared in dozens of projects, including on The Andy Griffith Show and in 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde — played Uncle Jesse, the Duke family’s moral compass and father figure. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026 Over the years, DeSean Jackson often referred to Reid as a father figure. — Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026 When Urich was young, his father suffered a disabling stroke; Netanyahu became a father figure to him. — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026 Part of the team’s entire 46-year history, Unzué is the 71-year-old father figure that no one wants to let go of. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
  • Remember, parents with kids this age are also the ones that are still living with their mom and dad, have to have coloring books and fidget toys at work to settle their nerves and focus and flat out refuse to grow up.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Every single person, apart from me and him and the guy who plays his dad, are all real people.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • My 80-year-old mother and 87-year-old father were singing Hindu prayers to celebrate one of the most important holidays of our faith.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Lozano Garita is the father of her two youngest children, relatives said.
    — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster