stand-in

1 of 2

noun

ˈstand-ˌin How to pronounce stand-in (audio)
Synonyms of stand-innext
1
: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied
2
: substitute

stand in

2 of 2

verb

stood in; standing in; stands in

intransitive verb

: to act as a stand-in
see also:
stand in with

Synonyms of stand-in

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Noun

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of stand-in in a Sentence

Noun hired him at the last minute as a stand-in for the person who quit Verb she will be standing in for the regular teacher for a week
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Until then, Philadelphia National Bank will keep being used as a stand-in for the argument about consumer harm that the states cannot actually make. — Shubha Ghosh, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026 The next batter, pinch hitter Anthony Friese (a stand-in for Kevin Millar), hit one on the screws to right field. — Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
The possible demise of Clarity stands in stark relief to the historic sums committed in the 2024 election cycle to shifting Washington's position on crypto. — Tanaya MacHeel,talia Kaplan, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026 Build your corner deliberately, tend it honestly and be just as willing to stand in someone else’s. — Jeanan Yasiri Moe, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stand-in

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1929, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stand-in was in 1904

Rhymes for stand-in

See All Rhymes for stand-in

Browse Nearby Words

standholder
stand-in
stand in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stand-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand-in. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stand-in

1 of 2 noun
ˈstan-ˌdin
1
: someone employed to occupy an actor's place while lights and camera are readied
2
: substitute entry 1

stand in

2 of 2 verb
(ˈ)stan-ˈdin
: to act as a stand-in
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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