instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) 

-ˈsti-

: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to

chose tea instead of coffee

Examples of instead of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials predicted that even with the new enrollment deadline, reaching an election result would take 20 days after voting finished, instead of 23 days without the cut-off. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026

In simple terms, the perovskite laser cell works much like a solar panel, but instead of converting sunlight into electricity, it’s designed to harvest energy from a laser beam. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2026

This Senate action pushes the ban's start date to December 11, providing lawmakers more time to regulate the popular $28 billion industry instead of outright prohibition. — A.j. Herrington, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

But instead of settling for a deflating draw, Boise flipped the switch, starting attacking again and emerged with all three points. — Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for instead of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition

in-ˌsted-ə(v), 

-ˌstid-

: in place of : as a substitute for

had milk instead of juice