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

Choi, serving on a jury for the first time, said a good film is one that poses questions instead of handing out answers. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

The signature red is there, but instead of black, there's white and gold. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Simple self-defense classes teach someone how to escape an attack, including strangulation, instead of fighting back. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

But with the Pro at just a $100 premium over the Pixel 11 right now instead of $200, its superior cameras alone is a pretty convincing reason to spend more. — Brad Bourque, The Verge, 6 Oct. 2026

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