instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) How to pronounce instead of (audio)
-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 These days, most of us press snooze on a phone screen instead of a clock. Gwen Rockwood The Rockwood Files, arkansasonline.com, 24 Oct. 2024 The period-appropriate mill features electronic fuel injection instead of the triple carburetor found on the original units. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024 After the 2022 New Mexico wildfires, the US Forest Service accepted full liability, and the government threw money at the issue instead of focusing on working directly with the communities to rebuild what was lost. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024 When finished, there will be 17 TSA lanes instead of 15 at MSY. Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instead of 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instead of.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instead of was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near instead of

Cite this Entry

“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition
in-ˌsted-ə(v),
-ˌstid-
: in place of : as a substitute for
had milk instead of juice

More from Merriam-Webster on instead of

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