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 a coach, you’re supposed to be the player’s friend and his father figure.
—
Paul Newman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
In fact, Wendy kicking against her father figure and connecting with a xenomorph she’s been told to loathe and fear is basically exactly what David did in those films.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
He is widely seen as an extraordinary statesman who possessed a unique blend of intellect and political ability, and who remained a humble and approachable father figure for his people throughout his long tenure.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Friends described him as a father figure.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Paul Newman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
In fact, Wendy kicking against her father figure and connecting with a xenomorph she’s been told to loathe and fear is basically exactly what David did in those films.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
He is widely seen as an extraordinary statesman who possessed a unique blend of intellect and political ability, and who remained a humble and approachable father figure for his people throughout his long tenure.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Friends described him as a father figure.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
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Charlie inherited his dad’s love for baseball and attends a lot of Freddie's games with his mom.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
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Graham describes an almost mystical creative energy during the filming of a climactic reconciliation scene between Bruce and his dad.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
26 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The topic of nepotism came up in a new interview with Skarsgård in Vulture, when the outlet pointed out that many of his eight children — including Bill, Alexander, and Gustaf — have become actors like their father.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
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Unless another boy was injured, a boy with a father who resembled me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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