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

The remaining package instead calls for studies on simplifying Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) filings and tax reporting, the broader tax burdens facing Americans abroad, and additional time to challenge certain math-error assessments. — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Preece instead has embraced the frenzy of racing around his roots as a rallying point for his last-ditch charge at the Chase. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Luis — the Big East Player of the Year in 2024-25 — did not play college basketball last season after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, instead signing two NBA contracts (but not appearing in a professional game). — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Here, luxury is instead about embracing color and lightness, which, as Italian writer Italo Calvino said, is never superficiality. — Valentina Lonati, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 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