instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) How to pronounce instead of (audio)
-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
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The professor explains that the process works similarly to a conventional camera, but instead of capturing light waves, radio waves are transformed into a detailed image. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025 Derek likes to mess with reality and try to capture a feeling on-camera instead of rehearsing everything to death. Keaton Bell, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2025 Use electric candles instead of flames. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025 But maybe go explore more instead of sitting in our homes, not sure, not certain, not taking risks. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for instead of

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instead of was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition
in-ˌsted-ə(v),
-ˌstid-
: in place of : as a substitute for
had milk instead of juice

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