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
Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 June 2026
Chili turns baked potatoes into an even more filling meal—consider adding a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026
Sanjay Srivastava, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026
The series seems to be filling a need.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for filling
Noun
This maximizes the efficiency and potency of the ingredient’s plumping, hydrating, wrinkle-filling, fine-line smoothing benefits.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 June 2026
Chili turns baked potatoes into an even more filling meal—consider adding a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026
Adjective
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
Holzinger has spent the past decade building a reputation as one of Europe’s most uncompromising performance artists—filling opera houses and theaters with motorbikes, helicopters, heavy machinery, nudity, and feats of endurance that test what a body can withstand.
—Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026
The series seems to be filling a need.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for filling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for filling
Noun
-
According to the distillery, Master Blender Adam Hannett designed the maturation profile as a nod to the original release, using 75% first-fill bourbon barrels alongside 25% first- and second-fill French red wine casks.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
-
Plans Standard, Premium and Pro plans, with higher tiers offering resume database, sponsored job posts and TrafficBoost for urgent or hard-to-fill roles.—
Audrey Payne,
CNBC,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
On Friday, agents observed a man loading heavy items into a van outside the store and then driving to a nearby mechanic’s shop.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
-
After loading the bases with no outs in the first inning Monday, two strikeouts followed.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The historic estate is a rare survivor from Loomis’ early ties to fruit orchards and packing after first being settled by gold miners.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
30 May 2026
-
For decades, the industry boosted performance by making transistors smaller and packing more of them onto a chip.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
In practice, e-commerce sellers are often overwhelmed with the day-to-day of managing inventory and promotions, fulfilling orders and making sure their accounts are in order.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
This means that boards should not avoid fulfilling their duty by invoking a lack of funds – their duty is to gather the funds to take proper care of the property.—
Kelly G. Richardson,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
That’s cramming too many homes on limited acreage, especially in an area where traffic is already dangerous because of so many new developments, two neighbors told the board to applause from the Town Hall audience.—
Joe Marusak
May 27,
Charlotte Observer,
27 May 2026
-
Clark agreed with Reinhart’s observations, but warned that the four-day workweek wasn’t so much as cramming a 40-hour week into four days as a genuine reduction to 32 hours, one that respected an employee’s life outside of work.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Tight end Walker Lyons, a transfer from USC, is an intriguing addition, and the Cougars did a good job of plugging holes on the O-line.—
Sam Khan Jr,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
-
French maintained a tight lead against incumbent Jim Wright, a fifth-generation rancher running for his second term whose primary campaign priorities included reducing red tape for new oil production, plugging orphan wells, and defending landowner rights.—
Emily Holshouser
May 27,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Light, refreshing, and summery, this elegant but satisfying shrimp salad is ready in minutes and can be made ahead and served chilled.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 May 2026
-
The key to a sweaty-and-satisfying workout?—
Amina Ayoud,
Footwear News,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The mouthfeel is smooth and substantial, richer than many entry-level bourbons yet not syrupy or cloying.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
And also very joyous without being sentimental or cloying.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Filling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/filling. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
