Synonyms of instead

instead

adverb

in-ˈsted 

as in rather

as a substitute

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rather
• first
• in lieu
• alternately
• alternatively

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of instead

Letterman then rejected the chance to tell some jokes after combing through the cue cards, and instead agreed to film a Tortilla Challenge TikTok video that involved repeatedly slamming Fallon in the face with tortillas. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025

That era was a tough one for Letterman, who was thought to be a shoo-in to replace Carson but NBC opted to go with Jay Leno instead. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2025

But the performances are so lived-in that what could have been an overdose of whimsy instead acquires emotional substance in its reflections on life, above all on accepting the sadness and regrets of the past and finding a forward path. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025

The team instead banished Crowder with pay for the season. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 1 Feb. 2025