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
For example, sending birthday wishes or even a wedding invitation only through a post instead of reaching out privately.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
Start with a gentle chemical exfoliant instead of a harsh sugar scrub, followed by a lip mask.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Several Arizona towns celebrate New Year's Eve with unique drops instead of a traditional ball.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 27 Dec. 2025
The car collided with a pedestrian and instead of stopping to help, fled from the area, police said.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
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Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
Start with a gentle chemical exfoliant instead of a harsh sugar scrub, followed by a lip mask.
—Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Several Arizona towns celebrate New Year's Eve with unique drops instead of a traditional ball.
—Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 27 Dec. 2025
The car collided with a pedestrian and instead of stopping to help, fled from the area, police said.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instead of
Cite this Entry
“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 30 Dec. 2025.
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