1
as in loading
to put into (something) as much as can be held or contained
fill the basket with apples
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in packing
to close up so that no empty spaces remain
before starting to paint, fill all the cracks with putty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fulfilling
to do what is required by the terms of
orders received by this date will be filled in time for Christmas delivery of the merchandise
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 filling
Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Dowling, the younger brother of former Caravan star quarterback Blainey Dowling, was solid filling in for all-state quarterback Jack Elliott last season when Elliott dealt with some injuries.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
Connecting with communities The Defense official did say that Guardsmen are particularly skilled at connecting with communities, often filling sandbags before floods and helping clean up after storms.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for filling
Noun
Automation could help at the margins — routing requests, pre-filling forms, or suggesting knowledge-base articles — but the core work still had to be done by people.
—Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
This could be a byproduct of AI and its filling roles previously considered as entry-level for recent college graduates.
—Jj Kinahan, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Dowling, the younger brother of former Caravan star quarterback Blainey Dowling, was solid filling in for all-state quarterback Jack Elliott last season when Elliott dealt with some injuries.
—Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
In the beginning of the second episode, Ned stresses over filling the space in his inaugural issue.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
Connecting with communities The Defense official did say that Guardsmen are particularly skilled at connecting with communities, often filling sandbags before floods and helping clean up after storms.
—Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for filling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filling
Noun
-
Dimmable, three-tone fill-light on tracker module.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The area features 12 separate spots to get your fill, and every local’s got their own ideas about which is best.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Instead of segregating different regions behind loading screens as with previous games, now your environment is a single seamless setting that feels more connected than ever.—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
With Xavier Edwards and Agustin Ramirez on, Otto Lopez reached on a fielder’s choice, loading the bases with two out.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Moving across the Pacific Ocean in December meant packing minimally and leaving the rest behind.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Only packing two pairs of shoes?—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If the initial project is successful, another 150,000 cubic yards can be scooped out, fulfilling a chunk of OCTA’s obligations for sand nourishment.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
5 Sep. 2025
-
This is the second ALS clinic operated by UAMS, complementing the original Little Rock location and fulfilling a growing need for access to specialty neurological care in the state's rapidly expanding northwest region.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
While the airlines are undeniably cramming us all in regardless of our waist size, for passengers who truly don’t fit in a standard economy seat, policies like Southwest’s help not only them but their fellow travelers be safer and more comfortable onboard, and that’s a good thing.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The Lift-Off is significantly more comfortable to sit on, and the cushions are quite wide, easily fitting both of us and one to two guests without cramming.—
Emily Hein,
Architectural Digest,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Next spring and summer, NBCU will be plugging sports highlights like the return of the WNBA; the NBA playoffs; and Telemundo’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in North America for the first time in more than three decades.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
3 Sep. 2025
-
But there are big questions behind a strategy of plugging AI in to improve CX.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The brawling is weighty and the combos are satisfying to pull off, plus the rich artwork pops wonderfully across the screen.—
Joshua Lamb,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
When life events call for satisfying comfort food, try our Eggplant Parmesan to evoke warmth and tenderness.—
Bethany Thayer,
Freep.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But after keeping Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker out of Sunday’s lineup, Chicago then watched closer Daniel Palencia blow the save in a 6-3 loss to the Washington Nationals.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
If the number of children is decreasing, keeping empty facilities isn’t free.—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Filling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filling. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share