father figure

noun

Synonyms of father figure next

: a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

Examples of father figure in a Sentence

The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Her slide into rebellion as a teenager who just lost her father feels very real, and a thing that her older brother has to deal with now as the father figure of the family. —

Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 24 Oct. 2024 The actor appeared in Morbius as Dr. Emil Nicholas, a mentor and father figure to Dr. Michael Morbius (Jared Leto), who runs a facility for people with incurable illnesses. —

Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2024 The Penguin becomes Victor’s boss, mentor and father figure, mirroring Batman’s relationship with Robin. —

Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024 Trump is in desperate need of a father figure, and with a father like Fred Trump (Martin Donovan), who wouldn’t be? —

Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for father figure

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of father figure was in 1916

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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