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

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

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

Dowie said he was like a father figure to her.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

“Good. Let’s keep quiet. Look, Como’s lips are turning pink.... You’ve never been a father figure to Susan and Sandra.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole