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
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
  • For example, a company could require a provider to demonstrate that its cybersecurity software was examined by a particular model rather than a cheaper substitute.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Haney urged jurors not to let Rinderknecht’s private messages, searches or personality substitute for proof of arson.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 4 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
  • 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
  • The official also told Reuters that Washington was reviewing the proposal but ​declined to provide further details.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Georgiev-Remmel told the court there was no specific date set to carry out any removals.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Since my stay, new chef Jason Francisco has taken over the kitchens, and upstairs, Anzu has relaunched dinner with an omakase experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Halfway through, the band comes in, blown-out like Have a Nice Life took over the mix.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 5 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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