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

The police department dropped the driver’s license requirement for its Cadet Program, accepting a Maryland ID instead. —Brendan Hellweg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2026

Environmental advocates have pushed to remove about 180 million allowances instead, arguing that a stricter reduction would generate an estimate of over $860 million in net savings for low and moderate income residents. —Chaewon Chung march 9, Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

The Chinese government directed its oil refiners to pause fuel exports last week, instead prioritizing domestic needs amid fears of a deepening global energy crisis. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 9 Mar. 2026

For example, your ability to say no to a fast food cheeseburger for dinner and choose baked salmon instead. —Michaeleen Doucleff, NPR, 9 Mar. 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