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

• first
• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

But at the end of the 2020 season, Honda decided to exit the sport again, which was justified at the time as necessary so that the company could focus those resources on alternative powertrains instead. —Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025

Whose pursuit of pleasure, readily available to the narcissistic travelers via the luxury hotel’s ample amenities, will instead conclude with pain’s ultimate resting place? —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025

Variations: Following the eau de parfum launch in 2001, Polge developed the eau de toilette just a year later, relying on grapefruit instead for citrus notes. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025

Investors focused instead on better-than-expected strength for restaurants outside the United States, particularly in the Middle East, Japan and other markets with licensed McDonald's locations. —Stan Choe The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead