Thesaurus results for FATHER FIGURE

father figure

noun

Definition of father figure

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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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 Tentatively, Yulianna began to make space for a new father figure in her heart, too, adding Zhenya to her bedtime prayers. — Scott Peterson, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for father figure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure

Noun

With their annual Reindeer Roundup holiday event coming up, Meg’s dad gets sidelined after an injury.

— Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
His dad had even seen it; a form atop a hill at a local farm, screaming at the moonlight.

— Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of dad

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

Definition of father

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fathered (on)

father figure

father figures

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“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of father figure

noun

Example Sentences

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