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

After Spurs lost to Sunderland in his first match in charge, Roberto de Zerbi said his players need a father figure, not a coach.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 20, 2026

In other words, Gen Z wants a financial father figure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 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