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

Skinner wanted a natural left-footer who could invade space instead of a right-footed player like Celin Bizet having to invert. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

This faith-forward drama threads themes of loyalty, provision and everyday grace into a contemporary setting—think community jam sessions instead of barley fields, and mentorship instead of ancient customs for its transfer into the 21st century. —Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

Sporting a different pinstriped jersey instead of the usual one featuring purple and teal, Liam McNeeley had a few butterflies flying through the pit of his stomach. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2025

Position your knife to slice at a slight angle instead of straight down, to create slices that are extra tender. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 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