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

Early in the third period, Blue Jackets forward Dmitri Voronkov was checking with his stick instead of his body when he was called for tripping former Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

The lack of balance put the Panthers in a bind on early downs, as Young had to carry the offense instead of guiding it in the rain. —Mike Kaye updated January 3, Charlotte Observer, 4 Jan. 2026

These new trucks run entirely on large batteries that can be switched out in minutes instead of waiting to recharge. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Jan. 2026

Forty percent of the 360 members of the park’s Redwood Bridge Club live outside the city, and each of those members faces a $300 fee for an annual permit — instead of the $150 annual permits available to city residents. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 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