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
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 Injury fill-in Jovo Lukic headed in a corner kick in the 21st minute for Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is making its second World Cup appearance after failing to advance out of group play in 2014. — John Wawrow, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
Verb
For this week’s Infinite Scroll column, Brady Brickner-Wood is filling in for Kyle Chayka. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 15 July 2026 Its tiny rosettes help to fill in bare spots across the planter—don’t be shy about letting your succulents grow right next to one another. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 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
  • The organizations getting beyond experimentation are redesigning their workflows around collaboration between AI and humans, rather than viewing one as a substitute for the other.
    — Tony Bates, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • In response, Paramount argued that the Paramount and WBD cable lineups are complementary — and not market substitutes — and that cable providers will still want access to all of the channels.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 16 July 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • In addition,18 employees who had been placed in the 2026 fiscal year layoff prevention pool will be informed that their stay in that pool has expired, the district said.
    — Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 14 July 2026
  • Prioritize safety, stay impeccably informed, and assume responsibility to shield lives and property.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • Moments later the Tesla Model 3 raced down a residential street in Katy, Texas, at highway speeds, slammed into a brick home and killed a 76-year-old woman standing in the front room.
    — Bernard Condon, Fortune, 16 July 2026
  • But the Ukrainians are still confidently inside the town center, with the General Staff posting a video of one officer casually standing in Victory Square in November.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of stand in
Noun
  • Margarita Betancourt, the district’s treasurer, is set to be appointed as Steiger’s replacement on an interim basis.
    — Austin Horn July 15, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • That approach could ease the transition to the new interceptor without requiring a complete replacement of supporting equipment.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026
Definition of replacement
Verb
  • Their lawyer, Joseph McBride, told the AP his clients were innocent of the charges.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026
  • Residents from Minnesota to Washington, DC, told CNN the noxious air has disrupted their lives, seeping into everything from their health and leisure to their businesses and family life.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Since the brand expanded and opened operations in the city this year, autonomous all-electric Waymos have taken over Miami’s streets.
    — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • The video game allows users to take over a program acting as its head coach with the ability to recruit, manage a staff and improve facilities, just like in real life.
    — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026
Definition of take over
Noun
  • Always carry a physical guidebook or printed hike details in a waterproof bag as a backup, since batteries die and cell coverage on remote trails is often nonexistent.
    — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
  • The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol were called in for backup.
    — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026
Definition of backup
Verb
  • To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • The National Park Service advises visitors to stay at least 25 yards away from bison at all times and to never approach the animals.
    — Sara Smart, CNN Money, 13 July 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 19 Jul. 2026.

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