Definitions

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

Army colonel Lee Shaw, her team’s father figure, in the monster realm they call Axis Mundi.

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

“Beam stepped in, stepped in as a father figure, a father role,” Nahshon Wright said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

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

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

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri