Synonyms of instead

instead

adverb

in-ˈsted 

as in rather

as a substitute

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rather
• first
• in lieu
• alternately
• alternatively

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of instead

He instead was first seen watching teammates during team stretch, then walking around the perimeter of the Napa facility alongside a trainer before returning to the sideline on the field and watching individual position drills. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Banda is not feeling the pressure, instead just focusing on scoring and supporting her teammates. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026

Du Li An marries another man, Steely Bo; in the film, Yeo tied that disappearance directly to the racial violence of May 13 instead. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

But the subsequent allegations have been less clear-cut, and Brown has instead maintained his innocence. — Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026