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

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

After one win, Mark meets up with his opponent afterward but there’s no ill will − instead, manly embraces happen and pictures are taken. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025

Since her departure, Kai has been largely inactive in the ring, instead choosing to connect with fans through her Twitch channel. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

That law, however, doesn’t provide a mechanism for lawsuits, with the groups instead bringing its claims under the Administrative Procedures Act. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 3 Oct. 2025

This initiative would not be a physical wall, but instead a layered network of detection and interception systems, building on individual EU members’ anti-drone capabilities. —Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

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