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 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
Without it, people fill in gaps with assumptions, which creates misalignment. — Michele Nealon, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 Each brings something different to the table and compliments the other by filling in for the other's weaknesses. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 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
  • Haaland, a fan favorite in the tournament, will start the match on the substitutes' bench, ESPN reported Friday.
    — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • Mathewson noted that merely keeping abreast of the latest developments is no substitute for working with them directly.
    — Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • Emergency responders arrived on the scene and were informed that the victim had been pulled by the current flowing through Sebonac Creek into the Great Peconic Bay, the statement said.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • The company also informed members about 2026 premium changes through phone calls, text messages, regular mail, or email, Baiocchi said.
    — Susan Jaffe, NPR, 6 July 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • Dozens of people sat in lawn chairs in front of the big screen, cheering as the Bosnia and Herzegovina national anthem played, while others stood in a long line that stretched out of the front door to buy cakes, pastries and pitas.
    — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • That stands in contrast to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who's been publicly at odds with the White House a lot lately.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of stand in
Noun
  • The city said replacement parts have been ordered and officials hope to reopen the pool before the end of July.
    — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Wallingford also testified that inspections are not a replacement for reporting infant deaths.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of replacement
Verb
  • During Murdaugh’s first status hearing on Monday, June 29, Judge Debra McCaslin did not rule on the DNA evidence, telling defense attorneys to clarify if the sample was viable.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • My parents tell stories about me sleeping through loud construction, alarms, and heavy knocks on my bedroom door.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • The last time Rushing caught Ohtani, the pitcher took over pitch-calling after a disastrous second inning against the Twins last week.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • The staging is the first Lisa Spirling has directed since taking over as Stratford East’s artistic director and co-CEO.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 July 2026
Definition of take over
Noun
  • The Warriors already let backup point guard Pat Spencer walk to Phoenix.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • The Illinois Tollway plans to reduce backups at the congested nexus by adding lanes to northbound and southbound I-355 in the Downers Grove area as well as ramp improvements.
    — Marni Pike, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of backup
Verb
  • Enterprises are advised to carefully evaluate these solutions based on ownership, cost, and enforcement, as the industry seeks to standardize this critical layer for AI agent deployment.
    — Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • 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, 6 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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