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
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
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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Male dogs aren't exactly doting fathers.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
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Brett Eagleson and Elizabeth Miller both lost their fathers in the attack.—
September 11,
NPR,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figures. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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