instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) How to pronounce instead of (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For instance, the state's program is funded by a fee on oil production instead of by taxpayers, which means the industry is, in a roundabout way, paying to clean up its own footprint. Camila Domonoske, NPR, 8 July 2025 But some may wonder, why give the bonus in cryptocurrency instead of just adding it to an employee’s next paycheck? Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 8 July 2025 There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that comes from chasing style instead of living it. Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 8 July 2025 Terrain and Hydrology The region hardest hit — the Texas Hill Country — is particularly vulnerable to flash flooding due to its rugged terrain and shallow soil: Steep slopes and limestone bedrock cause water to run off quickly instead of soaking into the ground. Hannah Parry amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for instead of

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instead of was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition
in-ˌsted-ə(v),
-ˌstid-
: in place of : as a substitute for
had milk instead of juice

More from Merriam-Webster on instead of

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!