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

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

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

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

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri