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

Let conversation improve the work instead of guarding it too tightly. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026

The former catcher was one of the six coaches fired last month following the team’s 10-17 start, so when the six Red Sox legends threw out their ceremonial first pitch, Martinez threw to current catcher Connor Wong instead of his former teammate. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026

Those awards will be given out on the show’s closing day, on November 22, instead of during the exhibition’s public opening. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 9 May 2026

The cycle of overbuilding, Mizes said, will only be avoided if investors actually underwrite affordability instead of just demographic demand. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 May 2026

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