instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

1

: as a substitute or equivalent

was going to write but called instead

2

: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather

longed instead for a quiet country life

Synonyms of instead

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.

Recent Examples on the Web

When painting a north-facing room, these are the colors to avoid—and the shades to lean into instead. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026

The restaurant is busy preparing for a big night of food and drinks, and is no longer accepting reservations due to high demand, instead going with a first-come-first-served policy. —Victor Jacobo, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026

In what could be a scene straight out of the official Netflix movie, a comment intended as an insult instead galvanized the troops. —Natalie Jarvey, Fortune, 10 Jan. 2026

When reached for comment, Johnson, who lives in Parrish on he Gulf Coast of Florida, declined to be interviewed, instead sending his campaign website. —Carter Weinhofer, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Rhymes for instead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead