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

But Mamdani, who has viewed the body camera footage, said the man needs mental health treatment instead of facing criminal charges. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026

The idea was inspired by Little Free Pantries, which are similar to the Little Free Libraries model — but instead of books, people fill the little pantries with nonperishable food. —Corey Davis, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 3 Feb. 2026

High school coaches are now guiding their young players to start looking at smaller colleges instead of having grandiose dreams of joining the big-time programs right away. —Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026

By proposing to rebate sales taxes, instead of income taxes, Lamont would spare nearly all recipients from having to share about 22%-to-32% of their bonus with the federal government. —John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 3 Feb. 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