father 1 of 2

Definition of fathernext
1
as in dad
a male human parent the special relationship that exists between fathers and sons

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
4
as in Lord
capitalized the being worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe let us ask humbly for the blessings of our Father in heaven

Synonyms & Similar Words

father

2 of 2

verb

as in to sire
to become the father of Paul Revere somehow found room in his small house for the large family he had fathered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of father
Noun
Mike, Monroe’s father, chimed in. Tracy Kimball, Charlotte Observer, 29 Apr. 2026 Like her father, Stocker was known for her colorful personality and love of lavish things, including parties that lasted for days. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
In addition to Sissy, the group’s reunion is attended by, among others, Mona (Dennis), who claims to have a son fathered by Dean and the mysterious Joanne (Black), who has a secret of her own to share. Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2026 Delivering bad news In 2001, Jesse faced a scandal for having an affair that resulted in him fathering a child. Rick Davis, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for father
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father
Noun
  • My dad was killed by Iranian proxies forty-two years ago.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The tank weighing down the back of Kyle Nicolson’s truck holds a mixture of water, nutrients and fertilizer concocted through years of tinkering, first by his grandfather, then his dad, his uncle and his cousins.
    Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Today guests come not from Rome as the Cité’s founders did, but from across France, northern Spain (the border is just two hours away), England (there are direct Ryanair flights to Carcassonne’s small airport), as well as the US.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The idea to create these pieces, which deftly straddle the world of art and fashion, came from a sketch that founder Erin Saluti made more than a decade ago—her dream purse, made from a block of wood.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The two had been arguing just a few hours earlier over Sweeney’s reluctance to do chores around the house, his grandfather told police.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The driver who fatally struck a grandfather in Midtown in 2024 was sentenced with 180 days of work release and 30 days of community service last week — a typically light sentence in California, where many vehicular manslaughter cases are charged as misdemeanors.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Both calves were sired by Bernard, who is now dad to 17 rhinos.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Morobe sired two daughters as part of a breeding program.
    Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Cassie overcoming her daddy issues, leaving Nate, and being successful.
    Zoë Haylock, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Little Frankie couldn't be more comfy while snuggled in her daddy's arms as the two hang out on a swing.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For a longstanding comedy series like ABC‘s Abbott Elementary, creator Quinta Brunson faces the challenge every season of expanding characters’ backstories and keeping things interesting for those who have watched since Season 1.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2026
  • RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Willam, Trinity the Tuck, Morgan McMichaels, Gottmik and Symone were also in the mix, as was TikTok creator Harry Daniels, who was reportedly waiting at the door to serenade her on arrival.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Regardless of whether plans are rejigged, there will be plenty of pomp and circumstance for Charles, 77, as befitting a state visit of a British king to a country that his ancestors once ruled.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026
  • By shedding heavy shells like those seen in early nautiloids and ammonites, the ancestors of modern octopuses traded passive defense for active offense.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Those observations have spawned about 23,000 research papers written by nearly 29,000 astronomers in total worldwide, and about 1,100 of those papers were written in 2025 alone.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • However, plans for a security fence there spawned dueling lawsuits between the Shapiros and a neighbor over who rightfully owns a sliver of land abutting the two properties.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on father

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster