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

That campaign left Becker ineligible for the state GOP endorsement vote in April, but his supporters spoiled their ballots to give the endorsement to a minor candidate instead of Fedorchak. —Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 9 June 2024

Use fresh fruit here instead of dried for the brandied cherries, to poach in Armagnac, orange liqueur, cinnamon, peppercorns and orange zest. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024

Jones has a huge opportunity, especially after the team opted to select wide receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 pick instead of going for a left tackle candidate. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2024

But for the generation that grew up playing on a smartphone instead of in the playground, turning one’s hand to entrepreneurship isn’t so far-fetched. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition

in-ˌsted-ə(v),

-ˌstid-

: in place of : as a substitute for

had milk instead of juice