stead

1 of 2

noun

ˈsted 

1

: the office, place, or function ordinarily occupied or carried out by someone or something else

acted in his brother's stead

2

: advantage

—used chiefly in the phrase to stand one in good stead

3

obsolete : locality, place

stead

2 of 2

verb

steaded; steading; steads

transitive verb

: to be of avail to : help

Synonyms

Noun

• advantage
• better
• bulge
• catbird seat
• drop
• edge
• high ground
• inside track
• jump
• pull
• upper hand
• vantage
• whip hand

Examples of stead in a Sentence

Noun

a summer internship will stand you in good stead when applying to college

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The current fifth season will air its second part in November and December of this year, then Yellowstone will be over with and a sequel series will appear in its stead. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 May 2024

That is not to suggest that the United States should want Israel to act in its stead. —Dennis Ross, Foreign Affairs, 6 July 2022

Its retention of both bright and dark detail puts it in good stead for video viewing and occasional photo editing. —PCMAG, 31 May 2024

However, Norby, in theory, fits the mold of what the Orioles needed in Hays’ stead. —Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 30 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English stede, from Old English; akin to Old High German stat place, Old English standan to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stead

• in someone's/something's stead
• stand someone/something in good stead
• to stand one in good stead

Kids Definition

stead

noun

ˈsted

1

: advantage sense 3, service

their knowledge of French stood them in good stead

2

: the place usually taken or duty carried out by the one mentioned

acted in the mayor's stead