father figure
noun
: 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
His public persona may have been the humble and patient father figure, but Francis spent his 12 years as pope reorganizing the Vatican bureaucracy — the Roman curia — with more than a touch of ruthlessness.
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Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Gerard was a complicated father figure, supporting his family financially, while fueling the artist’s rebellion and escape at age 17 from harsh parental discipline.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Dusan, who was white, became a father figure to Strawberry.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
All that is needed to get us back to this place, the movie suggests, is another bold and intelligent father figure put in a position of power.
—Jessa Crispin, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
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Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Gerard was a complicated father figure, supporting his family financially, while fueling the artist’s rebellion and escape at age 17 from harsh parental discipline.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Dusan, who was white, became a father figure to Strawberry.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
All that is needed to get us back to this place, the movie suggests, is another bold and intelligent father figure put in a position of power.
—Jessa Crispin, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
father figure
noun
fa·ther figure
ˈfät͟h-ər- 
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father
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