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

Another exciting idea is to use disposable cameras instead of phones to capture those special moments. —Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Importantly, the latter car came with a more robust 2.5-liter engine using a seven-bearing crankshaft instead of one with only four main bearings. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 9 May 2025

If Metra, the CTA and Pace are failing to work together, competing for money and ridership instead of collaborating to provide integrated transit for Chicagoans and suburbanites alike, where is the RTA? —Joe Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025

For a more kid-friendly variation, use chicken tenderloins instead of chicken cutlets. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 May 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