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

Refine the plan through discussion instead. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

Success at tests like puzzles and mazes, which appeared to Washburn to be the result of reasoning, or insight—observation and detection—Thorndike insisted was instead merely the result of blundering, repetition, and trial and error. —Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026

LaCava, Campbell and Campillo supported Vonblum’s plan for only four stops, while Moreno, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn and Councilmember Marni von Wilpert supported relying on SANDAG instead. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026

Unlike the public-private partnerships other presidential foundations have with the federal agency to administer presidential libraries on site, Obama signed an alternative agreement to digitize and display some of his presidential records instead. —Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 8 May 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