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

With a tougher stance on China expected from the incoming Trump administration, could the next trade war instead be focused around chips, which arguably have permeated every facet of our lives? — CNBC’s Samantha Subin contributed to this report. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024

Another bystander who came to Penny's aid offered to hold Neely's arms down so Penny could let go of Neely's neck, but instead Penny kept tight hold even after Neely's body went limp, Yoran told jurors. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

Have art instead, Larkin might have added, in this acrid ars poetica. —Max Norman, ARTnews.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Who’s Who is precisely that, with working-class champion Leigh instead taking a rare focus on the upper class. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 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