Thesaurus results for INSTEAD

instead

adverb

in-ˈsted

Definition of instead next

as in rather

as a substitute I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of instead However, Montoya says the bill does not do enough to protect children and instead protects AI companies. —

Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 6 June 2026 So where is Fidelity putting money instead? —

Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026 An entire mission directing six blasts against three Russian frontline targets in eastern Ukraine will involve no Ukrainian troops on the ground, the battle instead directed from gamer chairs, observed from reconnaissance drones above, run over dedicated livestreams. —

Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 But the plaintiff alleges that police instead decided to detain Ding in an effort to cover up Ferraro’s abuse. —

Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for instead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead

rather

Adverb

And using both words does not reveal that a person is ignorant but rather cosmopolitan.

— Kirk Bowman, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
While Kittle gets back up to full speed and rather relies so much again on running back Christian McCaffrey’s receiving ability, the 49ers added beyond Evans by signing Christian Kirk and drafting De’Zhaun Stribling.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 4 June 2026