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
The group hired a fill-in drummer, Dutch musician Bram van den Berg, for their residency at Las Vegas’ Sphere in 2023 and 2024. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026 Multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank exam questions could be quickly and objectively scored. — Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, or rye, fall is an ideal time to fill in those bare patches. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 5 Nov. 2026 One way to fill in the six-month lag between the close of the season and the arrival of clothes in stores is to go deeper into designers’ inspirations. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 4 Nov. 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
  • Classical conservatism is about creating conditions for human flourishing, and the angry populism of the modern era is an unsatisfying substitute for older conservative ideas.
    — Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026
  • For example, the restaurant’s maple syrup is pure maple, rather than a corn syrup substitute.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • The statutory maximum is life in prison, Lett informed Désir, should he be found guilty.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Several years later, he was informed that his brain contained a moderate accumulation of amyloid plaques.
    — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • Jordan's pitch stood in contrast to what Scalise, 61, offered.
    — Claudia Grisales, NPR, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Gravy is more likely to be made with guava than with giblets, and flan stands in for apple pie.
    — Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of stand in
Noun
  • And while Proctor’s replacement Jarrett Kingston certainly had a blunder or two, it was left guard Jonah Savaiinaea that gave up a couple sacks.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The airline safely operated the engine for 12 additional cycles before securing a replacement.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of replacement
Verb
  • In the same way, Reitz in turn told Blumenthal to preserve records about his own inquiry.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Owen told grand jurors about the video Paul Murdaugh recorded in which Alex Murdaugh's voice could be heard at the scene, contradicting his denials.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur announced that Gardner Minshew is out for the season with an ulnar ligament injury and will undergo surgery Wednesday, and that Beck will take over the starting quarterback.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Not a favorite to win the division in the preseason, the Braves took over first place April 8 and led the rest of the season.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of take over
Noun
  • Madsen suffered an apparent left knee injury in the fourth quarter of Boise State’s 46-45 win over Texas State on Saturday, leading senior backup Max Cutforth to finish the final 8 minutes of the game.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Home backup power is shifting toward longer lifespans, higher efficiency, and entirely new battery chemistries.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of backup
Verb
  • Residents were also advised to install window screens and chimney caps, secure exterior doors and avoid leaving unscreened windows open, particularly while sleeping.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Someone in contact with Walter, speaking on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to comment, advised me to wait and see if a Formula One deal actually materializes and, if so, for what value.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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