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

"She was looking for a father figure to speak to and confide in and from whom to get guidance," the tribunal said.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Nancy Shear wasn’t yet out of her teens when she was hired as musical assistant to the eminent and enigmatic symphony conductor Leopold Stokowski, who became her mentor and a father figure of sorts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

I want a supportive father figure in my life.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers