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 Domestic brands gained wallet share as retailers and liquor stores encouraged shoppers to instead buy Canadian. —

Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026 For an easier car-free experience, travel instead to Traverse City, two hours south. —

Sarah Cahalan, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026 Khamenei didn’t back away, instead doubling down on support for Iran’s proxies. —

Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026 These events aren’t illuminating, and feel instead like a bleak betrayal. —

Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead

rather

Adverb

The back-and-forth between Archie and Katie is exhausting, and the politics of academia, including budget changes and the revolving door of faculty and staff, are rather dull.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
This team has come a very long way in a rather short space of time.

— Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026