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

• first
• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Under the House Republican proposal, borrowers currently enrolled in SAVE, PAYE, and ICR would be automatically moved into the IBR plan instead, which is a separate program created by Congress. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

The program instead asked migrants to apply online, requiring them to secure a U.S.-based financial sponsor in order to secure permission to enter the country and two years of work authorization. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 8 May 2025

Listen instead Powered byTrinity Audio 00:00 05:31 TORONTO Will the Florida Panthers rebound from a sloppy, uncharacteristic start from their series opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs to even the best-of-7 series? —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025

In recent years the parade has seen a diminished supply of military hardware, as Russian tanks are instead mobilized on that war’s front lines. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 May 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