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.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
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
Listen to this article Thirteen years after John Franklin-Myers’ grandfather Billy Ray Myers passed away due to sarcoma, the wise words from the biggest father figure in his life still ring through the Broncos defensive lineman’s ears.
—
Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2024
Yoshimura explained that executive producer Richard Dominick became a father figure to him.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
That’s because the Iranian thriller, which follows a family unit being torn apart after the father figure accepts a controversial job as an investigating judge signing death sentences, had to be shot entirely in secret by director Mohammad Rasoulof.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
Despite the differences the pair have had over the years (including Yondu literally going on a manhunt for Quill with his murderous Ravagers), Yondu has been Quill's true father figure.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for father figure 
Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2024
Yoshimura explained that executive producer Richard Dominick became a father figure to him.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
That’s because the Iranian thriller, which follows a family unit being torn apart after the father figure accepts a controversial job as an investigating judge signing death sentences, had to be shot entirely in secret by director Mohammad Rasoulof.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
Despite the differences the pair have had over the years (including Yondu literally going on a manhunt for Quill with his murderous Ravagers), Yondu has been Quill's true father figure.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for father figure
Thesaurus Entries Near father figure
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share