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

In September 2025, the City Council voted to explore whether Los Angeles could withdraw all legally allowable homelessness funding from LAHSA and instead contract with the county’s new homelessness department. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

Skip the top and instead throw shorts and a cardi over your bikini or one-piece. —India Roby, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026

Let’s talk instead about what violence does to schools. —Jerald McNair, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Sadiq declined to attend the draft in Pittsburgh, instead celebrating with friends and family in Ammon. —Idaho Statesman, 24 Apr. 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