instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

1

: as a substitute or equivalent

was going to write but called instead

2

: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather

longed instead for a quiet country life

Synonyms of instead

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.

Recent Examples on the Web

An entire mission directing six blasts against three Russian frontline targets in eastern Ukraine will involve no Ukrainian troops on the ground, the battle instead directed from gamer chairs, observed from reconnaissance drones above, run over dedicated livestreams. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026

The White House proposed the same thing for 2026, but Congress instead gave the Chemical Safety Board $14 million. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 30 May 2026

An artisan whose primary market for finished goods has shrunk can rebuild a viable business by selling their time and expertise instead. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2026

Since then, the county no longer contracts with Avid, and instead uses county employees to provide medical care at the jail. —Theresa Clift may 29, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Rhymes for instead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead