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

When a close compresses from weeks to days or a forecast updates in hours, finance can operate on current information instead of stale results. — Hemant Kapadia, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

If this was the case, Hodge realized, experts could continue their calculations using familiar algebraic structures instead of struggling with the triangles. — Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026

Electronic actuators control the brake calipers instead of hydraulic lines carrying brake fluid. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026

Ford officials said the automaker lowered prices by eliminating some standard equipment, such as heated second-row seats as well as using manual instead of power controls for some parts, like the steering column. — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 15 Sep. 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