fill-in 1 of 2

noun

ˈfil-ˌin How to pronounce fill-in (audio)
Definition of fill-innext
as in substitute
a person or thing that takes the place of another I'm just a fill-in, so I have no idea where office supplies are kept

Synonyms & Similar Words

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fill in

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to inform
to give information to my friend quickly filled me in on the portion of the movie that I had missed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to substitute
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only she's only filling in while the regular secretary is on vacation

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 fill-in
Noun
Vizzina threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns in a fill-in start, losing to SMU in 2025. — Bob Ferrante, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 Based on the current fill-in rotation, Isola and Mina Kimes would be among the most plausible candidates. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
The effect is of a self-portrait in mosaic, each movie filling in a space or some, even better, opening up a new one. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026 Cooper Rush filled in and proceeded to throw four interceptions and never going over 150 yards in losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fill-in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fill-in
  1. substitute
  2. inform
  3. stand in
  4. replacement
  5. tell
  6. take over
  7. backup
  8. advise
Noun
  • Fuelled in part by the overprescription of painkillers like OxyContin in the 1990s, the market for unregulated substitutes exploded into what became regarded as an epidemic by the turn of the millennium.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Then manufacturers learned to crush cottonseed for oil to be used in soap, cooking and as a substitute for animal fats.
    — Edward D. Melillo, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • Upon stepping at the brand’s showroom here, one could be met with an explosion of tangerine hues informing unfussy tops, tunics and cotton dresses cut in essential shapes and infused with vitaminic energy.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • The app can also track who goes through your door and when, sending notifications to keep you informed.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • The examination also revealed two more figures, one looming in the window and, at the left of the composition, a bearded man wearing a hat and standing in profile.
    — Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • On a recent afternoon at Tukaway Farm in Hampshire, trainer Kim Angerman stood in the center of an arena, calling out instructions to two teen girls trying to turn a pair of thoroughbreds into show hunters and jumpers.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of stand in
Noun
  • The airline representative added that passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft to continue the trip.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Recovered messages showed that after a plan to kidnap Moïse failed, the group began souring on Sanon and chose a new replacement for the Haitian president, Superior Court Justice Windelle Coq Thélot.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of replacement
Verb
  • Serena tells him his former boss Elliott Wyatt recommended him highly, which is strange given his former reticence.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • After the election, legislating is an obvious place to go, given the public and many lawmakers in both parties want to see something done, the tech industry source told Semafor.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • When Maguire is done, Garfield takes over, just as, in Into the Spider-Verse, Miles Morales can take on the role of Spider-Man after Peter Parker’s death.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Citing sources familiar with the matter, the paper reported that Goldman’s board has discussed a plan for Waldron to take over after Solomon’s eight-year run as chief executive.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of take over
Noun
  • Now the clock is ticking on whether Harbaugh is grooming McCarthy to compete with Jameis Winston for the starting job or if the Giants only acquired McCarthy as developmental backup insurance.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • However, Bagent is expected to serve as the backup to third-stringer Case Keenum, who will start, according to multiple reports.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of backup
Verb
  • Those who submit a valid claim can receive up to $10, though administrators advise payment amounts could decrease depending on the number of claims received.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
  • While Young never received a formal reprimand, he was made aware of the Congress’s frustration and others in the corps were advised not to follow his lead, per NASA.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of advise

Browse Nearby Words

fillies
fill-in
fill in
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Cite this Entry

“Fill-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fill-in. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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