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

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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 Some Republicans have pushed instead for a budget package that could potentially put some parts of the voting law in place. Stephen Groves, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026 According to McMahon, the program wouldn't pull money from public schools, but instead add new funding. Terell Bailey, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026 Appeals court proceedings unfold largely out of public view and are unlikely to surface new evidence, instead focusing on narrow legal questions about the president’s appointment authority and prosecutorial power. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Mar. 2026 Imagine what the coming $200 billion request for the war could do if it were instead used to help millions of Americans have affordable housing, health insurance and enough to eat. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead
rather
Adverb
  • Kansas has not been a program built on turning over its roster every season but rather generating improvement from those already on it — and then trying to find ways to fill in the gaps when necessary.
    Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2026
  • If the goal is truly to protect consumers, the solution does not lie in reducing the visibility of the legal market through federal prohibitions, but rather in avoiding excessive intervention.
    Cláudia Nunes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instead. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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