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
Ski, who previously worked at V-103 from 1998 to 2012 and from 2018 to 2020, rejoined the station in May as a weekend and fill-in host. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 6 July 2026 There were the modest re-signings Wednesday of veterans Nick Foligno and Zach Bogosian, the addition of career backup Calvin Pickard as a fill-in goalie for rehabbing Filip Gustavsson and four forwards destined for Iowa. — Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
Friends filled in the blanks, painting Roberts, a web developer and clutch early digital-ad adviser, as the Marty Ginsburg to Ocasio-Cortez’s RBG. — Michelle Ruiz, Vanity Fair, 14 Aug. 2026 Use the pencil to fill in sparse spots and define your shape, then use Boy Brow Gel to brush everything up and lock your brows in place. — Grace Scollo, InStyle, 14 Aug. 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 government’s $600 million per year pledge, though appreciated and welcome, is not a substitute for durable, legally enforceable contribution obligations.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
  • These systems are the most futuristic pieces of the renovation, but Korem presents them as additions to a much larger recovery program—not substitutes for foundational work.
    — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • Clemson football posted a video on X in which Wilson, who walked on for the Tigers, informed his parents that he had just been awarded a scholarship.
    — Hunter DeLauder, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Panettiere said that the writers and producers of the series used her experiences to inform her character’s storylines.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • The tradition took hold in 1963, when a young musician later known as Screaming Lord Sutch stood in a by-election.
    — Reagan Yip, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Lee said Alameda County and Oakland authorities shut down her lemonade stand in June and seized her equipment during an enforcement operation in Uptown Oakland.
    — Da Lin, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of stand in
Noun
  • California energy regulators have approved new restrictions on replacement tires that vehicle owners can buy, saying that the rules will protect the environment and save money in the long run.
    — Tom Wait, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Unai Emery has been planning for the exit of No 1 Emi Martinez for the last two summers, and much detailed work has duly gone into sourcing his replacement.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of replacement
Verb
  • The study of a patient’s urine was an extremely popular practice in the Middle Ages, even though doctors could tell precious little about what was ailing someone just by looking at a sample in a jar.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Backstage, Kenny Omega calls the Don Callis Family bullies and tells them to pick any three members to face him and The Young Bucks, who are standing beside Omega, next week.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Semenyo had already completed a prolific season in England’s Premier League, scoring 17 league goals to take over boyhood idol Tony Yeboah’s long-standing record for most scored by a Ghanaian in a single season.
    — Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The new inspections are the result of a New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) report from March that revealed squatters took over at least 548 vacant NYCHA units from 2022 through 2025.
    — Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of take over
Noun
  • The team didn’t address the position in the draft or free agency, but the organization held on to tackle Cody Ford — who has lost 40 pounds — as a backup while giving him a pay cut.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The plan is suited to users who need substantial space for photos, videos, work files, and backups without additional recurring payments.
    — StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of backup
Verb
  • To avoid similar situations, it is advised to download maps, bring flashlights, pack water and food and call for help right away if you do get lost.
    — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Visitors are advised to keep at least 50 meters (164 feet) away from the deer, never feed or touch them and if one approaches you to put food and packaging out of sight and move away slowly and calmly.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 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 20 Aug. 2026.

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