as in rather
as a substitute
I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead
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Recent Examples of instead
Shortly after, the Cunninghams decided to remove Sanaa from school and instead have Lisa Cunningham homeschool her.
—
Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 29 Sep. 2025
The new locale, which fits right in with the brand’s maximalist streak, is a massive three-level ode to America’s southern neighbor—though its cuisine isn’t tied to one particular region, instead taking inspiration for their own take on the food, Eater reported.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2025
When governments fail to deliver services, instead extracting value, Chayes’s book warns, radical alternatives can become far more appealing than the actual state.
—Zephyr Teachout, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
But instead, the only phrase that can genuinely make a weak bully go away.
—William Earl, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instead
Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 29 Sep. 2025
The new locale, which fits right in with the brand’s maximalist streak, is a massive three-level ode to America’s southern neighbor—though its cuisine isn’t tied to one particular region, instead taking inspiration for their own take on the food, Eater reported.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2025
When governments fail to deliver services, instead extracting value, Chayes’s book warns, radical alternatives can become far more appealing than the actual state.
—Zephyr Teachout, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
But instead, the only phrase that can genuinely make a weak bully go away.
—William Earl, Variety, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead
rather
Adverb
-
At the time, Bailey denied claims that the film was initially rejected due to censorship but rather footage clearance and security concerns.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Or rather not sitting, but dancing.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instead. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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