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

Nine Scottish fans were instead at Kansas City’s Fan Festival on Wednesday and caught the eye of the KC2026 planning committee’s social media-team. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026

But Friday’s agreement instead requires California’s next governor to come up with a figure in between those two numbers. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026

However, scientists and officials said no seeding occurred during the storm, and pointed instead to natural weather systems and climate change. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 27 June 2026

If one were to instead walk a path of optimism—noticing professional challenges but not lingering in them and not digging a rut of constant complaint—imagine where that path might lead. — James Davis, Forbes.com, 26 June 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