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

Many of the protesters called for Syrsky to be ousted instead. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026

Having negotiated an extraordinary package — ending sanctions, unfreezing assets and establishing a $300 billion reparation fund — Iran made the seemingly nonsensical decision to pick a fight instead. — Matthew Gould, Washington Post, 24 July 2026

So Glassman has settled on a podcast, instead, for celebrity connections, with an eye to second dates. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

This summer was supposed to be a refreshing change of scenery for those on the road with their nations, but instead the difficulties of Liverpool’s 2025-26 campaign continued. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026