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
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 Visitors to the Kennedy Center still won’t be able to read the venue’s sign, which now lacks Trump’s name following a court order to remove it, as scaffolding and a huge tarp have stood in front of it for nearly three weeks. — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 2 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 The Bootleg Cut includes additional character moments, like protagonist and Crowe stand-in William (Patrick Fugit) making a habit of stealing little items from hotel rooms. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 16 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
  • Portugal somehow held on, and Goncalo Ramos’ 94th-minute header, with Ronaldo substituted, sparked delirium after a delightful Rafael Leao cross.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Substitutions Here’s how to substitute heavy cream for half-and-half (and vice versa) when applicable.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of substitute
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
  • Plus, this helps fill in areas of your garden where weeds typically grow with welcome color and interest.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
  • Many plants fill in quickly and will make hanging pots look lush in no time.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
Definition of fill in
Verb
  • The developers will next prepare construction drawings and take other steps in anticipation of breaking ground in about two years.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • In 1968, the federal government stepped in and started selling flood insurance managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.
    — Brian New, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of step in
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

Browse Nearby Words

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 7 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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