fill
10 synonyms and 1 antonyms for fill, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To add enough of something to a container or space so that nothing more can fit.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use fill
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English fyllan ("to fill, satisfy, complete"), rooted in the Germanic word for "full."
Full origin of fill →Frequently asked questions
What does “fill” mean?
The word “fill” means to add enough of something to a container or space so that nothing more can fit. In plain terms, to make something full, or to satisfy a need, order, or role.
How do you pronounce “fill”?
“Fill” is pronounced fihl (/fɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “fill” in a sentence?
Here is “fill” used in a sentence: “She filled the kettle with water.”
What is another word for “fill”?
Words with a similar meaning to “fill” include get up in and swive.
What is the opposite of “fill”?
The opposite of “fill” — its antonyms — is empty.
What part of speech is “fill”?
“Fill” is a verb.
Where does the word “fill” come from?
The word “fill” comes from Old English. From Old English fyllan ("to fill, satisfy, complete"), rooted in the Germanic word for "full.".
Is “fill” a common word?
“Fill” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'fill in' and 'fill out'?
Both mean to complete a form by adding the required information, and they are largely interchangeable. 'Fill out' is more common in American English, while 'fill in' is more common in British English. 'Fill in' can also mean adding a single missing detail, or temporarily taking someone's place at work.
What is the opposite of fill?
The main opposite is 'empty', removing contents rather than adding them. 'Drain' fits liquids, 'unload' fits cargo, and 'vacate' fits a space that people leave. Where fill means to occupy something completely, its opposites all describe making it empty, hollow, or available again.
What is an example of fill?
Pouring water into a glass until it reaches the brim is a clear example: you fill the glass. You might fill a bath, fill a tank with petrol, or fill a room with people. In each case you add enough of something that little or no space is left.