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.

He also lacked a father figure growing up, as his father was not involved in raising him.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 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

For hardened followers, Al-Houthi, who is believed to be in his mid-40s, is a father figure who claims to have descended from the Prophet Muhammad.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 3, 2025

Both she and the prince had grown up under strict, unforgiving fathers—well, father figure in her case.

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas