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
During a press briefing Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce deflected questions about the allegations against Levi and lifting the sanctions, instead deferring to the Israeli government to investigate.
—
Emily Chang, ABC News, 31 July 2025
In the cult classic, Spinal Tap orders a massive, 18-foot replica of the Stonehenge but instead receives an 18-inch one.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 31 July 2025
Powell did not buckle under Trump’s pressure campaign, instead keeping short-term interest rates at a level of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 31 July 2025
If approved, the foundation would instead use the money for the adaptive swing at Dagg Park.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instead
Emily Chang, ABC News, 31 July 2025
In the cult classic, Spinal Tap orders a massive, 18-foot replica of the Stonehenge but instead receives an 18-inch one.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 31 July 2025
Powell did not buckle under Trump’s pressure campaign, instead keeping short-term interest rates at a level of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 31 July 2025
If approved, the foundation would instead use the money for the adaptive swing at Dagg Park.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead
rather
Adverb
-
Brawner was issued $85,000 and $50,000 fines, paying back $130,000. Of those funds, $117,000 served as restitution and went back to the food bank, or rather the new food bank, Feed Sumner.—
Katie Nixon,
The Tennessean,
5 Aug. 2025
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Lest this story seem a mere nostalgia jaunt, think of it rather as an introduction.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instead. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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