father figure

[fah-ther fig-yer] / ˈfɑ ðər ˌfɪg yər /

NOUN

father substitute

Synonyms

WEAK

father image father surrogate substitute surrogate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After Spurs lost to Sunderland in his first match in charge, Roberto de Zerbi said his players need a father figure, not a coach.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Army colonel Lee Shaw, her team’s father figure, in the monster realm they call Axis Mundi.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

“Beam stepped in, stepped in as a father figure, a father role,” Nahshon Wright said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

One of the leading German geographers of the era, Karl Haushofer, was a father figure to Rudolf Hess and Adolf Hitler.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

“Malcolm obviously needs a father figure and a firm hand.”

From "X: A Novel" by Ilyasah Shabazz