instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) 

-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

Make the Beds Aiming for bunks that would be easy to access and make up with linens, designer Ashley Gilbreath fashioned niches with a staircase instead of a ladder. —Laura Fenton, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025

The shift is in line with other moves made by the networks recently, like the CMT Music Awards going out live for the first time on CBS in 2024 instead of CMT itself (although that special went on hiatus this year). —Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for instead of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove

Kids Definition

instead of

preposition

in-ˌsted-ə(v),

-ˌstid-

: in place of : as a substitute for

had milk instead of juice