stead

1 of 2

noun

ˈsted 

1

: the office, place, or function ordinarily occupied or carried out by someone or something else

acted in his brother's stead

2

: advantage

—used chiefly in the phrase to stand one in good stead

3

obsolete : locality, place

stead

2 of 2

verb

steaded; steading; steads

transitive verb

: to be of avail to : help

Synonyms

Noun

• advantage
• better
• bulge
• catbird seat
• drop
• edge
• high ground
• inside track
• jump
• pull
• upper hand
• vantage
• whip hand

Examples of stead in a Sentence

Noun

a summer internship will stand you in good stead when applying to college

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After making the playoffs as the worst statistical team to do so in 33 years last season, Washington is perched in second place of the crowded Metropolitan Division and has even gone 10-5-1 in Ovechkin's stead. —David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024

The former Burnley manager tried to give the side a different dimension this season, initially playing Dwight McNeil behind the striker in Doucoure’s stead, but has accepted in recent weeks that the experiment needed to end. —Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024

The Jets recalled former first-rounder Brad Lambert in his stead on Tuesday after retroactively placing the Dane on injured reserve. —Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 17 Dec. 2024

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is serving as interim leader in Yoon’s stead. —Jason Ma, Fortune Asia, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English stede, from Old English; akin to Old High German stat place, Old English standan to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing stead

• in someone's/something's stead
• stand someone/something in good stead

Kids Definition

stead

noun

ˈsted

1

: advantage sense 3, service

their knowledge of French stood them in good stead

2

: the place usually taken or duty carried out by the one mentioned

acted in the mayor's stead