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

Godard has no script, working instead from a treatment by his comrade François Truffaut, and also from ideas that come to mind before and during shooting; whenever inspiration runs dry, production wraps for the day. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 May 2025

The boom was instead brought out first to aid in the investigation into the diver’s death. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 20 May 2025

The crypto exchange didn’t pay and is instead offering the same amount for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the hackers. —Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

But Belly decides to end the tumultuous roller coaster by choosing to be with Jeremiah instead. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 20 May 2025

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