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

On review, the official withdrew the booking for Paredes and showed one instead to Embolo. — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026

At issue is whether these modern rapid-fire rifles fit within the history of the gun rights protected by the 2nd Amendment or instead represent a new and dangerous threat to public safety that was unknown in 1791. — Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Switzerland's Breel Embolo had a chance to take an open shot with no one between him and Argentina's goalkeeper but instead passed to teammate Dan Ndoye. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 July 2026

The brand would be wiser to instead focus on making healthy meals for a night in watching Love Island. — Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 11 July 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