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Dictionary.com
Definitions

stand in for

VERB
pinch hit
Synonyms
WEAK
fill in hit for substitute hit
VERB
stand-in
Synonyms
STRONG
cover fill in pinch hit relieve replace spell substitute supplant

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We’re tapping digital buttons that now stand in for physical buttons that once stood in for a mechanical method for interacting with a complex system.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

They could even create deepfakes to stand in for them on camera.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Counsellors of state can stand in for a monarch who is ill or overseas although, in practice, only working royals are expected to be called upon to fulfil those duties.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

She will have to stand in for thousands of others.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

That Mary would stand in for me back home in Sylvan so T. Ray wouldn’t notice I was gone?

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd