instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) How to pronounce instead of (audio)
-ˈsti-
: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to
chose tea instead of coffee

Examples of instead of in a Sentence

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The 2025 regionals saw record-breaking viewership from ESPN, yet coaches like Kentucky's Craig Skinner argue the sport's growth is hindered by early-round matches being limited to ESPN+ instead of airing on linear TV. Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Dec. 2025 Sip on kombucha instead of traditional sodas. Lindsey Desoto, Health, 20 Dec. 2025 Under Price John, the company began investing in e-commerce, shifting orders to stores instead of its distribution center and diversifying its sales beyond just malls to turn around the company. Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025 Some older types of bakeware or off-brand pieces may use soda-lime glass instead of borosilicate glass, which is more prone to thermal shock. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instead of

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instead of was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition
in-ˌsted-ə(v)
-ˌstid-
: in place of : as a substitute for
had milk instead of juice

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