instead

American  

[in-sted] / ɪnˈstɛd /

adverb

1. as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something.

   We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.

2. in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative.

   The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.

---

idioms

1. instead of, in place of; in lieu of.

   You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.

instead British  

/ ɪnˈstɛd /

adverb

1. as a replacement, substitute, or alternative

2. (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”

Explanation

The adverb instead means in place of or as a substitute for something else. If your best friend has a temper tantrum every time you play miniature golf, maybe next time you should go to the movies instead. The adverb instead was originally two words, "in stead," with "stead" coming from stede, the Old English word for place. The adverb instead can also mean rather than, and in this context it's usually followed by "of." Instead of worrying about the weather for your vacation, which is beyond your control, you should worry about whether you packed everything you need.

Example Sentences

Instead, prediction markets are driven purely by participants.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

Instead, Huawei’s name is front and center at showrooms where the Maextro is sold alongside $3,000 triple-folding smartphones and $4,000 diamond-encrusted smartwatches.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Instead, the findings point to patterns that may warrant further investigation.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

Instead, Volker said, “increasing reliance on drones allows hostilities to continue unabated.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

Instead of the floodwaters faced that past spring, the dried, midsummer dirt floor was so hard that even with many men working, the hole deepened only a few inches each hour.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock