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

Later in the series, Lorelai and Sookie buy the Dragonfly Inn, and Michel also makes the jump to work there instead. —Julia Moore, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office did not deny the veracity of the article, instead asserting that Israel’s actions have delayed Iran’s nuclear program. —Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025

The gas station is instead designed for quick trips, as the name suggests, according to a company representative who presented the gas station’s proposal to an Aurora City Council committee earlier this month. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2025

But instead the Bears moved down 15 spots in a trade with Buffalo. —Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 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