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.

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

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

"Mauricio was like a father figure," recalls ex-PSG defender Didier Domi.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

But this strong father figure is also punitive in nature; they want to earn his approval to avoid being punished.

From Salon • Feb. 24, 2026

The show depicted Beam as a mentor and father figure to his players, some of whom were facing significant challenges in their lives, as they navigate a football season.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025

And it doesn’t have to be because they want a father figure for their sons.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri