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’s a lot of make-believing instead of doing your own due diligence. —Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 2024

The result: Some patients are self-seeking these clinics instead of primary doctors prescribing the medication. —Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 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