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

This mega-ship feels like a floating city built around a magnificent atrium instead of a town square. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026

So instead of taking the shot, Doncic passed the ball to James. —Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

And maybe — just maybe — that older child will pull them into the celebration instead of pushing them away. —Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026

But instead of getting yelled at, punished or kept at arm’s length, you are received with joy. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 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