instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) 

-ˈsti-

: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to

chose tea instead of coffee

Examples of instead of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Worth noting Despite being eliminated from postseason contention, the Giants plan to keep catcher Jesus Rodriguez on the taxi squad instead of activating him to make his major-league debut. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 Sep. 2025

Tagovailoa’s comfort in the pocket, his ability to make throws from his launch spot instead of being forced to scramble around the pocket, is likely at the root of this position battle. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025

But instead of selling and downsizing to a smaller home, the prospect of steep capital gains taxes keeps them in their bigger homes. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025

But instead of joy, the decision sparked tension with her mom just a week after the baby was born. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for instead of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition

in-ˌsted-ə(v),

-ˌstid-

: in place of : as a substitute for

had milk instead of juice