instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) 

-ˈsti-

: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to

chose tea instead of coffee

Examples of instead of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Migrant families with at least two children can now buy two homes, instead of one previously, according to the statement. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2024

For example, instead of offering web development for all types of clients, why not focus on web development for agency websites, or for small e-commerce businesses, or other types of niches? —Rachel Wells, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024

Healthiest drink at Starbucks:Order these low-calorie options What to put in my coffee instead of creamer? —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 29 Sep. 2024

As Sony engineered the future of the franchise, the studio decided the next two installments, 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife and 2024's Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, would be direct sequels to the '80s movies instead of reboots or reimaginings. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 28 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition

in-ˌsted-ə(v),

-ˌstid-

: in place of : as a substitute for

had milk instead of juice