instead
Americanadverb
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as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something.
We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.
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in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative.
The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.
idioms
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instead of, in place of; in lieu of.
You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.
adverb
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as a replacement, substitute, or alternative
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(preposition) in place of or as an alternative to
Etymology
Origin of instead
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; originally phrase in stead “in place”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These changes aren’t cost-driven, as Sony is instead hoping to prioritize growth under new business strategies implemented by its new chief executive, Ravi Ahuja.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026
I landed on a blend: Parmesan for salt and umami and that quiet architectural integrity; Pepper Jack for melt and a soft, lingering heat that hums instead of shouts.
From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026
In the case of Humira, that’s $7,000 instead of the approximately $2,000 paid to the manufacturer.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026
Richardson described it as "quite a common thing", for people to "make your money in the smoke and grime of Liverpool but you don't want to live there, and instead move out into the country".
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
Trey let go of my hand, offering me his elbow instead.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.