instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

1

: as a substitute or equivalent

was going to write but called instead

2

: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather

longed instead for a quiet country life

Synonyms of instead

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.

Recent Examples on the Web

White's colleague at The New Yorker, co-founder Harold Ross, suggested Stuart should be adopted instead. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025

Simon said that Moore was taken to a local hospital after his arrest for mental health evaluation, but was not admitted to the hospital and instead turned back over to law enforcement. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025

Gunson assesses that the tanker seizure is not a harbinger of war, but instead a doubling down of the pressure campaign. —Chris Boccia, ABC News, 12 Dec. 2025

Republicans, who have long criticized the Affordable Care Act, have instead called for a broader overhaul. —Addie Costello, jsonline.com, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Rhymes for instead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead