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

The attendee list remains confidential until after the event, forcing authentic networking instead of LinkedIn stalking. —Melinda Elmborg, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Given that her involvement was licensing a song for the film, which 19 other artists also did, this document subpoena is designed to use Taylor Swift’s name to draw public interest by creating tabloid clickbait instead of focusing on the facts of the case. —Benjamin Vanhoose, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

Radio stations began playing (Taylor’s Version) albums instead of the originals, and fans began listening to them on streaming services. —Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

So go ahead and loudly proclaim your love instead of whispering sweet nothings. —Cailey Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 21 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