instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted How to pronounce instead (audio)
1
: as a substitute or equivalent
was going to write but called instead
2
: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather
longed instead for a quiet country life

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.
Recent Examples on the Web But as the set rolled on, the focus turned instead to the group’s enduring strengths. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2024 Ohanian has invested far more in Angel City than any other board member but does not have a majority of the equity or board control, instead sharing power with co-owners Kara Nortman, a venture capitalist; Julie Urhman, an entertainment executive; and actress Natalie Portman. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024 The Italian builder’s unconventional design eschews the traditional main salon, instead creating a less-formal living area that’s exposed on three sides. Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2024 So instead, the audience is left to assume Hawat was killed during the invasion. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Mar. 2024 Though the creamer company normally caters to coffee, as the name suggests, this limited-time creamer is meant to be added to soda (ideally Dr. Pepper) instead. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 When Newsom calls Biden (Mikey Day) on FaceTime, the frazzled president can’t raise the volume and instead hangs up on the call. Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Aid groups say airdrops should be only a last resort and instead urge the opening of other crossings into Gaza and the removal of obstacles at the few that are open. Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 3 Mar. 2024 Few of the performers remained in the group beyond the age of 16, instead being rotated out for younger talent. Natalie Morales, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instead.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of instead was in 1667

Dictionary Entries Near instead

Cite this Entry

“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

instead

adverb
in·​stead in-ˈsted How to pronounce instead (audio)
: as a substitute
was going to write but called instead

More from Merriam-Webster on instead

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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