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
Part of the issue is that as the economic hardships continue, more people are adding to their debt loads by turning to expensive, short-term borrowing options, like credit cards, to fill in the gaps. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Gasper has filled in admirably for Yoshida, homering in his third straight game Wednesday. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 20 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
  • In the 85th minute, the young winger made his professional debut as a late substitute.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • San Jose’s second-half substitute Preston Judd had a pair of chances after coming on at the hour mark, but the first shot was over the crossbar and the second was saved at point-blank range by Marcinkowski.
    — Mercury News, Mercury News, 20 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
  • It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the oldest homes still standing in Roseville.
    — James Taylor, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The county was among the earliest to stand in opposition to the project.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 20 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
  • He was told to wait on a bench at the sixth station of the Fujinomiya trail as his father and brother continued their ascent, the report said.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Rabah told The Associated Press that two settlers arrived with a tractor at his home in Khirbet al-Rakeez in the southern West Bank on Saturday afternoon.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • It's taken over 60 days to clean up 85 million pounds of rotting food.
    — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • While these micro vehicles may not take over the streets, their arrival could signal a new way of thinking.
    — Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 21 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 23 Aug. 2026.

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