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

What makes users feel more comfortable is transparency and basically a say into the ads approach instead of just a 'trust me' model that Zuckerberg is pushing. —Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Under a current temporary deal, U.S. levies on Chinese imports are 30% instead of the previous 145%. —Alina Selyukh, NPR, 21 May 2025

Moreover, work requirements, plus the proposal to check members’ eligibility twice a year instead of once, exponentially increases program bureaucracy at both the state and federal level. —Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025

Additionally, onside kicks will be taken from the 34-yard line instead of the 35-yard line, and players on the kicking team will line up 1 yard closer to where the ball can be recovered. —Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 21 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