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

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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
In the longer term, the generic industry — which represents most prescriptions filled in the United States — will continue pushing for an overhaul of the patent system brand-name drugmakers use to maintain exclusivity over their products. — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 When Sasha fills in for Joanne on the sisters’ podcast, his banter with Morgan is, of course, gold. — Judy Berman, Time, 22 Oct. 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
  • What subscription biomarker testing cannot replace Experts caution that these panels are a supplement, not a substitute, for primary care.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Severe altitude illness is treated by descending and getting medical care – another cup of coca tea is not an adequate substitute.
    — Andrés Henao, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 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
  • Proposition 41 would block new taxes that exclude revenues from state spending limits, while Proposition 42 would stand in the way of new taxes on' personal property or past activities.
    — Justin Papp,Caleigh Keating,Garrett Downs,Kevin Breuninger,Dan Mangan, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026
  • See where the balance of power stands in Congress when polls close.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 3 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
  • Shapiro told Semafor that he’ll be focused on passing a few specific items if his party wins full control of the government — not a parade of progressive bills, as Democrats in some swing states have done after winning the legislature.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • In his ruling rejecting the DOJ’s lawsuit, Carter said the federal government had the right to investigate instances of criminal voting but not to tell California how to run its elections.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • DJs take over late on Fridays and Saturdays, while Sundays belong to samba and feijoada meals, honoring the local tradition of gathering with loved ones on weekends to enjoy the black bean and meat stew.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • DataDome, a computer security service based out of New York, said that some of these bots create multiple accounts or take over existing accounts to get past the per-customer ticket limits.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 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 4 Nov. 2026.

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