authority figure
noun
: a person who has authority over another person
A child needs an authority figure in his or her life.
Examples of authority figure in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
He is distrusted by most of the villagers, save lover Kitty (Rosy McEwen) because of his friendship with Master Kent (Harry Melling), another soft man but the closest thing to an authority figure here.
—
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2024
Gemini May 21 – June 20 An authority figure’s disappointment might dishearten you as well.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 31 July 2024
The man standing at the podium has the steady, stentorian voice of an authority figure, someone who issues orders and expects them to be heeded without question, and the look of a zealot in his eyes.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2024
There’s a lot of pressure on you right now to perform, meet impossible demands, or satisfy an unforgiving authority figure who’s not cutting you much slack.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for authority figure 
Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2024
Gemini May 21 – June 20 An authority figure’s disappointment might dishearten you as well.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 31 July 2024
The man standing at the podium has the steady, stentorian voice of an authority figure, someone who issues orders and expects them to be heeded without question, and the look of a zealot in his eyes.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2024
There’s a lot of pressure on you right now to perform, meet impossible demands, or satisfy an unforgiving authority figure who’s not cutting you much slack.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for authority figure
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'authority figure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near authority figure
Cite this Entry
“Authority figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authority%20figure. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share