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

• first
• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Kemp ignored the commands and instead accelerated and quickly came to a stop just in front of the sergeant. —Shanzeh Ahmad, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025

In an attempt to preserve public trust, the government instead broke it, Offit said. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025

Avoid trendy or clashing colors and instead opt for timeless, natural tones with dimension; consider roof slope and visibility to match style with practicality. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 June 2025

So what could have been handled as an unfortunate encounter was instead purposely upgraded for propaganda purposes. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025

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