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
Recent Examples on the Web
For instance, a job promotion, new competitive job offer, award, compliment from an authority figure or lucrative and prestigious client could be here for you.
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Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 Oct. 2024
Solutions that are handed down to both parties from an authority figure, with little or no input from those directly involved, rarely go down well.
—Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Johnson’s career journey from the avatar of iconoclastic ’80s cool to an avuncular authority figure in a privileged world—from a speed boat to luxury liner—could serve as a metaphor for the evolution of a certain segment of American culture over the last 40 years.
—J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2024
Well, Selena is the understanding boss, with the always tremendous Garret Dillahunt joining the cast in the second episode as an additional, more incredulous, authority figure.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authority figure 
Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 Oct. 2024
Solutions that are handed down to both parties from an authority figure, with little or no input from those directly involved, rarely go down well.
—Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Johnson’s career journey from the avatar of iconoclastic ’80s cool to an avuncular authority figure in a privileged world—from a speed boat to luxury liner—could serve as a metaphor for the evolution of a certain segment of American culture over the last 40 years.
—J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2024
Well, Selena is the understanding boss, with the always tremendous Garret Dillahunt joining the cast in the second episode as an additional, more incredulous, authority figure.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for authority figure
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'authority figure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near authority figure
Cite this Entry
“Authority figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authority%20figure. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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