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”

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

This is because supermarkets, restaurants – and US consumers – can, and will, simply switch to buying chicken or cheaper imported beef instead.

From BBC ● Aug. 5, 2026

The purse is $40 million, cash that instead could be earmarked for 2027.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

When the last bill is paid, instead of taking it as extra cash to spend in the present, automate savings for retirement and other big financial goals.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026

But investors were focused elsewhere: on SpaceX’s disclosure that it would no longer buy AMD’s chips, and instead build exclusively on chips from its rival Nvidia.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

I will myself to think of it as a costume instead of a uniform.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse