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 one stands out because of its forked tip, which creates soft, hairlike strokes instead of harsh, solid lines. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026

During turndown, housekeepers leave artisanal soap and sachets of lavender instead of the standard chocolates on the pillow. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Mar. 2026

But instead of creating a white material as intended, Jie produced dense, transparent films. —J. Carson Meredith, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026

Mark Line, a member of other preservation groups in the city, said a landmark designation would allow the city to apply for grants to help restore the home, reducing expenses instead of adding to them. —Camila Gomez, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Mar. 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