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

The build has felt oddly subdued for much of the month, largely because the focus shifted toward promoting the quarterly Peacock special instead. —Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

The district pivoted and opted instead to pilot the course starting this school year, including it in ninth grade English or Honors English. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026

Luckily, for them, there are still plenty of conventional alternatives to opt for instead. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 2026

Kaiser said that some in-person appointments may need to be virtual instead and some appointments, elective surgeries and procedures may need to be rescheduled. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 Jan. 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