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

The lefty reliever instead opted for Japan, where the Mets continued scouting him. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Cleora is instead testing whether autonomous construction systems can be integrated into a functioning community while maintaining architectural variety and controlling costs. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

With the district already under state control, Licata did not elaborate on specific plans for William James, instead referring to further discussion of the Elevate model, which includes the middle school. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2026

Track mode instead adopts a longer, more progressive throttle map intended to provide greater precision when driving at the limit. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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