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

TrumpRx — which the administration has said will launch early next year — will not sell drugs directly, but instead will direct consumers to lower prices elsewhere. —Ibrahim Aksoy, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025

The key moment was the 2015 election when front-runner presidential candidate Edward Lowassa was disqualified and John Magufuli nominated instead. —Yonatan Morse, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025

Van Der Beek instead appeared via video and looked to have lost a lot of weight, prompting concern from fans. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025

Toho said the acquisition and alliance are expected to have a negligible impact on its consolidated financial results for the current fiscal year, with the focus instead on medium- to long-term growth. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 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