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
There are a few items our experts say are acceptable to hang up or place on a drying rack to dry naturally instead of tossing in the dryer.
—
Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2025
In the movie, Darcy also proposes the second time in the middle of a field at dawn, instead of during a walk at a more normal hour of the day.
—Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025
If possible, stick with a shallow pie pan instead of a deep-dish pie pan.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Nov. 2025
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is what happens when a tablet decides to be helpful instead of just pretty.
—PC Magazine, 15 Nov. 2025
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Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2025
In the movie, Darcy also proposes the second time in the middle of a field at dawn, instead of during a walk at a more normal hour of the day.
—Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 15 Nov. 2025
If possible, stick with a shallow pie pan instead of a deep-dish pie pan.
—Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Nov. 2025
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is what happens when a tablet decides to be helpful instead of just pretty.
—PC Magazine, 15 Nov. 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 17 Nov. 2025.
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