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

What’s holding them back isn’t technical skill, but instead their sense of control over the technology. —Feon Ang, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025

Several candidates and local leaders who spoke with The Star said that the shift in this week’s races indicate that voters may be tired of being told to fear change and are instead resonating with candidates who embraced growth. —Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2025

Yet, dedicated foodies are now heading instead to Greenville, a charming city of just more than 70,000 residents, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. —Nevin Martell, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

And so, instead, Weber went to work on a different set of problems. —Big Think, 7 Nov. 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