Synonyms for

Father

Verb / ˈfɑ:ðɜ: / Another word for father — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a male parent

Synonyms & similar words

churchfather padre father foundingfather don sire fathergod beget founder femaleparent fatherofthechurch fatherhood engender forefather maleparent begetter get generate bringforth mother beginner dad daddy papa pop sire parent paterfamilias padre dada didi abbé abba abi apa ate baba babb

Synonyms by register

Formal

progenitor male parent sire

Informal

dad daddy pop old man

Literary

patriarch begetter forefather

Antonyms

mother daughter son child offspring parent

Common collocations

  • father figure
  • father-in-law
  • dear father
  • father knows best
  • father and son
  • father and daughter
  • father's day

Word family

noun fatherhood
verb father
adjective paternal

Usage note

While 'father' can refer to any male parent, it often carries connotations of authority, guidance, and responsibility. 'Sire' is typically used in a biological or formal context, especially with animals.

Example sentences

  1. My father taught me how to ride a bike.
  2. I love spending time with my dad.
  3. My papa is the strongest man I know.
  4. Pop always knows how to make me laugh.
  5. Sire, can I have some money?

Quotes

  • A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be. - Frank A. Clark
  • A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow. - Unknown
  • I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. - Sigmund Freud

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