Paternal is an adjective that refers to something related to fathers or fatherhood, like fatherly, paternalistic, or paternalistic. However, there are other synonyms of the word paternal that can be used depending on the context and tone of the language. These include parental, patriarchal, avuncular, benevolent, protective, caring, and nurturing. Each of these words embodies a characteristic of a father figure, be it the authority, guidance, love, or protection that a father can provide. Using a synonym for paternal can help writers avoid repetition and add depth and nuance to their communication.