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

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.

Recent Examples on the Web

Jones had no comment when asked about his exchange with Tranquill, instead focusing on the bigger picture. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025

But the alternative liberal order built on free trade and democratic values no longer has an obvious global champion anyway, as the United States has explicitly left that role to embrace an international approach grounded in bilateral threats and dealmaking instead. —Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

The military instead shared photos of smiling Palestinians atop cars with their belongings. —Aya Batrawy, NPR, 5 Sep. 2025

Expecting dull days and strict rules, the boy instead stumbles into a world of delightful chaos and imagination – where outrageous stories are spun, and a world of wonder, memory, and mischief unfolds. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Sep. 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