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.
However, the promotion sent Executive Vice President David Shaw to meet the media instead of White. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 By striking an arrangement with Trump, some see the firm as capitulating instead of standing firm to resist strong-arm tactics—a critique that could bring about its own set of problematic outcomes. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 22 Mar. 2025 This can come across like a challenge to the humans present, instead of a rejection of them. Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2025 This is a prime reason for setting a theme, or even delegating tasks instead of dishes to limit the amount of food brought. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

instead of

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

More from Merriam-Webster on instead of

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!