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

The tradition is centuries old and unique to the U.K., with some towns creating huge elaborate effigies of Guy Fawkes to be burned — sometimes instead building models of contemporary figures, including former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024

In 2005, former owner Macerich Co. considered removing the roof, but elected to redo it instead. —Adrian Rodriguez, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

Rather than spying on other nations, these animals instead provide live feeds of their surroundings to their handlers through camera harnesses. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Nov. 2024

She was slated to go to Michigan, but the plane took off and instead landed in New York City. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 3 Nov. 2024

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