as in rather
as a substitute
I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of instead
So, instead of fielding, say, ten very expensive missiles, this new strategy would see 1,000+ drones and low-cost missiles used instead.
—
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
Removing fruits allows the trees to concentrate their energy into growing strong roots and leaves instead.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Shane and the other three officers, in their reports, described Curry as being uncooperative and declining to submit to a standard field sobriety test, but instead telling them to put him in handcuffs.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Tie it to your handbag or belt loop instead.
—Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instead
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 4 Apr. 2026
Removing fruits allows the trees to concentrate their energy into growing strong roots and leaves instead.
—Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Shane and the other three officers, in their reports, described Curry as being uncooperative and declining to submit to a standard field sobriety test, but instead telling them to put him in handcuffs.
—Deborah Laverty, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Tie it to your handbag or belt loop instead.
—Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for instead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead
rather
Adverb
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Kansas has not been a program built on turning over its roster every season but rather generating improvement from those already on it — and then trying to find ways to fill in the gaps when necessary.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
2 Apr. 2026
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If the goal is truly to protect consumers, the solution does not lie in reducing the visibility of the legal market through federal prohibitions, but rather in avoiding excessive intervention.—
Cláudia Nunes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instead. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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