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

There is also a feeling that the BBC should be focused on charter renewal talks with the government instead of contemplating a radical reorganization. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2025

Let products act for 15 minutes instead of scrubbing like crazy! —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2025

To achieve this, Kipley utilizes wearables and opts to don a nursing poncho instead of tight clothing. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 22 Nov. 2025

With more service, perhaps instead of waiting 20 minutes in between buses, riders might wait 15 or 10 minutes, and service could run later into the evening, Ferguson said. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 22 Nov. 2025

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