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

Focus on what matters, and let your message land clean instead of trying to say everything at once. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2026

Stay honest, keep your promises realistic, and let the connection adjust naturally instead of trying to control the outcome. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

This unusual combination could change how future electronics are designed, especially in spintronics, where information is carried by the spin of electrons instead of electric charge. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026

To encourage them to grow out into the soil instead of continuing to circle, either pull them free with your fingers or cut them with sharp pruners. —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 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