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

Using dedicated unmanned refueling aircraft could also free more Super Hornets for combat missions instead of requiring them to carry additional fuel for other aircraft. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Students were learning dates and terminology instead of poetry. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Baseball is a highly profitable industry, small market teams are bringing in enormous sums of money, and many owners are choosing to pocket it instead of reinvesting in their rosters. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026

And when work becomes one meaningful part of your life instead of your entire sense of self, ambition feels rewarding again. — Melody Wilding, Contributor, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for instead of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition

in-ˌsted-ə(v), 

-ˌstid-

: in place of : as a substitute for

had milk instead of juice