instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) How to pronounce instead of (audio)
-ˈsti-
: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to
chose tea instead of coffee

Examples of instead of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This includes: Sony provided talking points for the actors to use during film promotion, including focusing on the resilience of the character played by Lively instead of the theme of domestic violence. Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024 How to wash clothes sustainably As well as reducing the frequency of our laundry loads, washing at low temperatures (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit is the recommendation), air drying instead of tumble-drying, and using eco-friendly detergent is also better for the planet. Emily Chan, Vogue, 22 Dec. 2024 Barca might have performed well and made mistakes, but this should be treated more as a monumental victory for them, instead of a capitulation by Barca. Pol Ballús, The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024 In the future, Madden’s engine could be used to show how Jerry Rice might have run a route differently than DK Metcalf, or how Travis Kelce might’ve reacted differently had the defense played man instead of zone. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 21 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instead of 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instead of was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near instead of

Cite this Entry

“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition
in-ˌsted-ə(v),
-ˌstid-
: in place of : as a substitute for
had milk instead of juice

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