instead of

Idioms  

1. Also, in lieu of; in place of; in someone's stead. In substitution for, rather than. For example, She wore a dress instead of slacks, or They had a soprano in lieu of a tenor, or In place of soft drinks they served fruit juice, or The chairman spoke in her stead. Instead of dates from about 1200; in lieu of, which borrows lieu, meaning “place,” from French, dates from the late 1200s; in place of dates from the 1500s; and in someone's stead from the 1200s. Also see under in someone's shoes.

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Example Sentences

It turns zesting into a gesture instead of a task: a quick flick of the wrist, a fine snowfall of citrus oils that hits a warm dish and blooms immediately.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

Japan is joining the war games as combatants for the first time, instead of mere observers.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

Scientists at UC Riverside have identified a cheaper, highly effective way to kill western drywood termites by drawing them toward insecticide instead of trying to track down every hiding place.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

They use branded equipment like gaming chairs or pre-built computers instead of specialized shoes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

“Just find me in the crowd, okay. That might help. Look at someone you know, instead of strangers.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith