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

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

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

Dowie said he was like a father figure to her.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2025

I want a supportive father figure in my life.

From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers