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

The Global Compassion Coalition says that the first step to overcoming helplessness is to practice acceptance instead of resistance, which is a hard pill to take at the moment. —Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2026

The result is a winery where the meal is as thoughtfully constructed as the Cabernet; where the chef and winemaker craft experiences instead of courses and vintages; where innovation feels organic, not performative. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

For years, students, teachers and administrators have been working on transforming the riverfront into a living shoreline, with a mini forest of mangroves instead of a leaky, low-lying concrete seawall. —Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026

Claire and Greg develop a relationship, while Claire navigates her mother’s critical illness in a different city, a hurdle that mostly takes the form of phone calls and text messages that relay the drama logistically, instead of emotionally. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 27 Jan. 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