Definition of insteadnext
as in rather
as a substitute I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 When a character stops acting on behalf of himself and instead makes a choice to act on behalf of the welfare of another person, the story suddenly evokes a sheaf of nobler feelings. — Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 More frequent measurements and resets instead pushed it toward an orderly, controllable state. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 Her husband had offered to pick her up, but the facility arranged transportation instead. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Silver agreed with the age limit but supported federal authority over prediction market platforms instead. — Ananya Chetia, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead
rather
Adverb
  • But just moments later, as the name of lead star Andrew Scott appeared on stage, the loud snuffles were replaced with whoops and, in rather uncharacteristically British style, a standing ovation for the actor.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This is the man who made the two-and-a-half-hour, stream-of-consciousness passion project Bardo (2022), after all, which several critics also found rather abrasive and self-indulgent.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instead. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!