authority figure

noun

: a person who has authority over another person
A child needs an authority figure in his or her life.

Examples of authority figure in a Sentence

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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.
Still, while Mercury makes an opposition to your modern ruler, Pluto, this alignment could uncover a control issue (or misuse of power) involving an authority figure, client or family member. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 The inner critic becomes less like an authority figure and more like that one colleague who sends too many emails. — April Dávila, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026 On Wednesday, Nakashima remained in jail at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a $45,000 bond on three counts of lewd and lascivious battery by an authority figure. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026 Branch added that such informal, caring relationships allow a freedom that a boy may not feel when relating to someone who is a relative, or an authority figure such as a teacher. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for authority figure

Rhymes for authority figure

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Browse Nearby Words

authority
authority figure
authority to pay
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Cite this Entry

“Authority figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authority%20figure. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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