stand in 1 of 2

verb

Definition of stand innext
as in to substitute
to serve as a replacement usually for a time only she will be standing in for the regular teacher for a week

Synonyms & Similar Words

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stand-in

2 of 2

noun

ˈstand-ˌin How to pronounce stand-in (audio)
as in substitute
a person or thing that takes the place of another hired him at the last minute as a stand-in for the person who quit

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 stand in
Verb
The video showed Robinson standing in a room at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office wearing a T-shirt and baseball cap. — ABC News, 8 July 2026 Dozens of members of Patriot Front stood in front of him and stared at the polycarbonate gates of the Metro system. — Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
Noun
The race was primarily defined by DeGette's presence as an establishment figure in the party, though Israel's actions in Gaza became a flashpoint as well as a stand-in for support for status-quo politics. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Some species can serve as useful stand-ins for turfgrass in shady, dry, or otherwise challenging locations. — Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stand in
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stand in
  1. substitute
  2. replacement
  3. fill in
  4. step in
  5. take over
Verb
  • The Guerreros had gone to the fair’s opening ceremony to hear the President, whose rally-style speech substituted for the slew of musical artists who had backed out after learning of the event’s partisan origins.
    — Andrew Trunsky, New Yorker, 11 July 2026
  • Adams started South Africa's first Group A game against the Czech Republic and was substituted at halftime.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
Definition of substitute
Noun
  • But for all Regragui’s success, replacement Mohammed Ouahbi is even more closely aligned to the national team DNA, having been in charge of the victorious under-20s side prior to stepping up.
    — Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • The lawsuit alleges the replacement tickets many fans were given by StubHub were worse than their original tickets.
    — Lily Wright, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of replacement
Verb
  • On top of the administrative funding, the state allocated $14 million through June 2028 to fill in a gap from federal cuts for the CalFresh Outreach Program.
    — Lizzie Kane July 11, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026
  • Before a ball was even kicked at this tournament, many people predicted this semifinal matchup when filling in their bracket.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 10 July 2026
Definition of fill in
Verb
  • In 2019, when the Fed was shrinking its balance sheet, the cushion of reserves available in the banking system dropped, leading to a spike in overnight lending rates that forced the central bank to step in and add liquidity back into markets.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Linked Learning steps in by partnering with schools and guiding students on how to earn college credit through dual community college enrollment, internships and industry certifications.
    — Francesca Pinney, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of step in
Verb
  • The deal is expected to be completed next summer, when the Morrison YMCA at 9405 Bryant Farms Road in Ballantyne would close and Moments of Hope would take over.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026
  • This family-run collection of hotels began in the 1960s when an Italian businessman took over a stunning property in Porto Ercole, previously a hangout for international socialites.
    — Megan Rose Murray, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of take over

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stand for
stand in
stand-in
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Cite this Entry

“Stand in.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand%20in. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stand in

Nglish: Translation of stand in for Spanish Speakers

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