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

However, that 84th-minute goal from Savinho, securing a 3-0 victory, meant a precious spot-on prediction for six-year-old Wilfred instead, taking our boy-wonder to within three. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 May 2026

Perez instead critically examined qualifications, credibility, conduct, and public record — exactly what responsible journalism should do. —Letters To The Editor, Oc Register, 15 May 2026

Aziraphale wanted Crowley to join him in Heaven instead. —ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026

But perhaps the most surprising figure from the survey is that only 53% opposed a nuclear energy plant in their backyard instead, nearly 20 points lower than the data center opposition crowd. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 May 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