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
Ed Norton, his high forehead glowing with benevolence, plays Pete Seeger, the folk-activist father figure whom Dylan will betray.
—
James Parker, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
The Blink-182 drummer is also a father figure to Atiana De La Hoya, 25, whom Moakler shares with ex Oscar De La Hoya.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Although the sitcom ran for just one season, Saget took his role as her protector and father figure seriously both on and off set.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Without the money for school fees or consistent meals, and without a father figure for her kids, Onziru turned to her three brothers for help.
—Greg Presto, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
James Parker, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
The Blink-182 drummer is also a father figure to Atiana De La Hoya, 25, whom Moakler shares with ex Oscar De La Hoya.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Although the sitcom ran for just one season, Saget took his role as her protector and father figure seriously both on and off set.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
Without the money for school fees or consistent meals, and without a father figure for her kids, Onziru turned to her three brothers for help.
—Greg Presto, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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