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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of instead

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; originally phrase in stead “in place”

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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

See Examples For:

instead

More importantly, “we have such a strong rental population,” Smith said, meaning that many people in the area rent instead of own.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 17, 2026

However, he said it was important to emphasise that many under-30s were "making do" without clubs and instead creating their own events.

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

The new approach instead separates information from different regions, allowing researchers to identify atmospheric variations that would otherwise be concealed.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

Six months later, the trade that could have tanked her professional career has instead served as a reset.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

‘I would have preferred it,’ said Fin-Kedinn, ‘if you’d used water instead of broth. That was a waste of good food.’

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

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