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
Examples of instead in a Sentence
I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.
Recent Examples on the Web
As revenge, Reilly nominated Domingue's other ally Rylie Jeffries instead.
—
Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Ukraine instead turned to its homegrown drones to strike hundreds of miles into Russian territory.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
If the host is all set on food and drinks, how about an accessory themed for game day instead that adds a bit of fun?
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Bannon suggested that Trump appoint a MAGA Republican to fill the role instead.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instead
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dina Kaur, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Ukraine instead turned to its homegrown drones to strike hundreds of miles into Russian territory.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
If the host is all set on food and drinks, how about an accessory themed for game day instead that adds a bit of fun?
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025
Bannon suggested that Trump appoint a MAGA Republican to fill the role instead.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for instead
Cite this Entry
“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instead
adverb
in·stead
in-ˈsted 
: as a substitute
was going to write but called instead
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share