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
Her cohost, Craig Melvin, and fill-in anchor, Sheinelle Jones, then revealed more details on her whereabouts at the top of Thursday's show. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 18 June 2026 Injury fill-in Jovo Lukic headed in a corner kick in the 21st minute for Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is making its second World Cup appearance after failing to advance out of group play in 2014. — John Wawrow, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
Verb
For this week’s Infinite Scroll column, Brady Brickner-Wood is filling in for Kyle Chayka. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 15 July 2026 Its tiny rosettes help to fill in bare spots across the planter—don’t be shy about letting your succulents grow right next to one another. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 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
  • The organizations getting beyond experimentation are redesigning their workflows around collaboration between AI and humans, rather than viewing one as a substitute for the other.
    — Tony Bates, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • In response, Paramount argued that the Paramount and WBD cable lineups are complementary — and not market substitutes — and that cable providers will still want access to all of the channels.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 July 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • Before Monday’s maneuver, the Russian ship informed HMS Tyne – a British patrol vessel – of its intention to conduct live-fire activity, CNN understands.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Both discoveries informed her choices for many of the principal cast and background actors.
    — Sophia Panych, Allure, 20 July 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • Moments later the Tesla Model 3 raced down a residential street in Katy, Texas, at highway speeds, slammed into a brick home and killed a 76-year-old woman standing in the front room.
    — Bernard Condon, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • But the Ukrainians are still confidently inside the town center, with the General Staff posting a video of one officer casually standing in Victory Square in November.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of stand in
Noun
  • Those close to Villa say Rogers was worth 14 goals a season, so sourcing a replacement was critical.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The Panthers had already moved to protect themselves on the left side, signing veteran tackle Rasheed Walker in March as a potential replacement for Ekwonu.
    — Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of replacement
Verb
  • Their lawyer, Joseph McBride, told the AP his clients were innocent of the charges.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026
  • Residents from Minnesota to Washington, DC, told CNN the noxious air has disrupted their lives, seeping into everything from their health and leisure to their businesses and family life.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Since the brand expanded and opened operations in the city this year, autonomous all-electric Waymos have taken over Miami’s streets.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • The video game allows users to take over a program acting as its head coach with the ability to recruit, manage a staff and improve facilities, just like in real life.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026
Definition of take over
Noun
  • The reliance on emergency actions, like diesel backup generators, incurs significant costs for ratepayers and increases air pollution.
    — Anna Demeo, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • With Hellebuyck leading the way and Skinner a luxury as a backup, the Jets will fight for a playoff spot and have cap space to make additions.
    — Murat Ates, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of backup
Verb
  • Varela noted that a different United representative had advised them by phone to arrive at SFO early Tuesday so airport customer service could fix the error.
    — Thom Jensen, NBC news, 20 July 2026
  • For precaution, the weather service advises anyone spending time outdoors to know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include dizziness, thirst, nausea, heavy sweating and weakness.
    — Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 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 24 Jul. 2026.

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