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
Temporary fill-in or permanent replacement? — Chris Willman, Variety, 21 June 2026 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
Verb
Learning these smaller constellations helps fill in the gaps between the more obvious patterns. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 July 2026 The English-language audio guide, included with your admission, fills in historical and cultural details. — Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 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
  • But the blustery autumn wind is no substitute for the cozy rays of a summer sun.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
  • Pitulic was employed as a long-term substitute at GCISD since January 2023 and frequently subbed for teachers at Dove Elementary.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • Protesters derailed a rezoning meeting on Crown Center, cutting short a hearing intended to inform residents about redevelopment plans to accommodate a new downtown Royals stadium.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • My editor at Vulture has informed me that this is the name of the mysterious archer who iced Criston from across that field.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • Community outraged over shooting Over the past few days, a vigil was held to grieve the teenager before he was identified and protesters marched in the city’s downtown to stand in solidarity with Williams’ family and call for accountability.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • North End Zone fan experience The two-story structure takes the place of the old metal stands in the North End and seats approximately 1,600 in both field-level suites and loge boxes.
    — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
Definition of stand in
Noun
  • The fear of a $30,000 battery replacement was a major disincentive.
    — James Morris, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • The company's window replacement quotes are often significantly more affordable than those from specialized competitors.
    — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of replacement
Verb
  • This weekend’s apparent pause in military action against Iran may hint at US moves to ease tensions in the Middle East, a former US national security adviser told CNN.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • That tells you something about how technology policy gets made now.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Phelan and his childhood friend Alex Haried took over the bar in 2020.
    — Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Bradgley Rodriguez pitched a hitless first inning for the Padres before Yuki Matsui (2-1) took over.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of take over
Noun
  • At this point Jalen Tolbert, a career backup who has 91 career receptions for 1,093 yards and 10 touchdowns in his previous four seasons, looks to be the alpha receiver in Slowik’s offense.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
  • These packages are good for keeping backups around or getting multiple people in on the search.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
Definition of backup
Verb
  • Baez advises adjusting sleep schedules two to three days before the flight and focusing on syncing their circadian rhythm with the new time zone by keeping screens dim.
    — Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
  • Make Your Experience Relevant Mid-career professionals are sometimes advised to remove dates from their résumés, shorten their work histories or avoid appearing overqualified.
    — Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of advise

Browse Nearby Words

fillies
fill-in
fill in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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