instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

1

: as a substitute or equivalent

was going to write but called instead

2

: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather

longed instead for a quiet country life

Synonyms of instead

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

To keep the two evenly blended without weighing down the texture, The Ordinary instead uses a high-pressure microfluidizer to break the mixture into smaller, more uniform droplets. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026

After a brief moment, Cristobal instead gave perhaps the understatement of the night. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

But, the man was only posing as a delivery driver and instead fatally shot the 20-year-old student. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026

So instead, Ziegfeld brought video of their snake-charming act, then hammered home their carnival sideshow bona fides by knocking a nail into their own nasal cavity in what was called the Human Blockhead act. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Rhymes for instead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead