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
Multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank exam questions could be quickly and objectively scored. — Beth Kania-Gosche, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026 In her absence, season 1 cohosts Star Jones and Debbie Matenopoulos are set to return to the show as fill-in cohosts, alongside fellow ex-panelists Lisa Ling and cohost Sherri Shepherd. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
In the longer term, the generic industry — which represents most prescriptions filled in the United States — will continue pushing for an overhaul of the patent system brand-name drugmakers use to maintain exclusivity over their products. — Megan R. Wilson, Washington Post, 22 Oct. 2026 When Sasha fills in for Joanne on the sisters’ podcast, his banter with Morgan is, of course, gold. — Judy Berman, Time, 22 Oct. 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
  • What subscription biomarker testing cannot replace Experts caution that these panels are a supplement, not a substitute, for primary care.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Severe altitude illness is treated by descending and getting medical care – another cup of coca tea is not an adequate substitute.
    — Andrés Henao, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of substitute
Verb
  • There is not a verifiable document about employees who have been informed about their responsibility to report health issues.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The statement doesn’t amount to an endorsement, a spokesperson for Caruso said, but instead simply informs people for whom Caruso planned to vote.
    — Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • The attack ads that exaggerate and lie about their opponents, without mentioning their myopic support for their dear leader whose baggage has destroyed America’s standing in the world, are astounding.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards Procter & Gamble has long been the class of the consumer-products industry, standing in for quality management in the way Pampers are synonymous with diapers.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of stand in
Noun
  • The university admissions replacement system still has to be designed, and legal changes may be needed — leaving crucial decisions unresolved even as the government seeks to persuade students to end their protests.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Unsupported systems need replacement plans or documented interim controls.
    — Aliasgar Dohadwala, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of replacement
Verb
  • Lamm told TechCrunch that conventional breeding can produce dogs with poor eyesight or genetic predispositions to cancer.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Beirut City Pop, the latest compilation by archival label Habibi Funk, tells the story of the artists who dared to imagine a life beyond war.
    — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • DJs take over late on Fridays and Saturdays, while Sundays belong to samba and feijoada meals, honoring the local tradition of gathering with loved ones on weekends to enjoy the black bean and meat stew.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • DataDome, a computer security service based out of New York, said that some of these bots create multiple accounts or take over existing accounts to get past the per-customer ticket limits.
    — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of take over
Noun
  • But that doesn’t tell the full story either, as Seattle has played part of the season with backup Drew Lock and hasn’t yet lost by more than three points.
    — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Although Chen Mechan is accused of firing on the Salvadoran’s vehicles, sources said its heavily armed men received backup from Joseph’s 400 Mawozo, which controls the neighboring territory.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of backup
Verb
  • Solomon Rivera went from a job advising Mayor Karen Bass to running an outside campaign committee supporting her reelection months later, causing some experts to question whether the committee is independent.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Jokilehto advised that invitations should list the names of the people in the household that are invited.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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