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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
Harper, meanwhile, has targeted for revenge a father figure, her former mentor Eric (the great Ken Leung).
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Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 7 Aug. 2024
Beverly was married five times After splitting from Donald, Beverly was in a number of relationships, leading to a rotating door of father figures for J.D.
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Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024
In the book, Vance shared vivid memories about his mother’s battle with drug addiction, a rotating cast of father figures and the other socioeconomic challenges that his family faced after migrating from eastern Kentucky to southwestern Ohio.
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Megan Lebowitz, NBC News, 16 July 2024
Lopez said Affleck stepped up as a father figure for her kids
In May 2023, Lopez opened up to Hoda Kotb on TODAY about the role Affleck had taken on as an attentive stepfather to her children.
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Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 10 July 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'father figure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1916, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near father figure
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Medical 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
More from Merriam-Webster on father figure
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for father figure
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