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”

Example Sentences

Military personnel do not currently have the legal power to shoot down drones, and instead rely on the police.

From BBC

The album strays away from the pop genre that first put him on the charts and instead leans into a more soulful, R&B-infused sound.

From Los Angeles Times

Man, if my chest hair wasn’t going visibly gray and I was instead a lanky, chiseled Zoomer with a hit LP I might feel the same way about top buttons.

From Los Angeles Times

San Jose is instead “a law-abiding city,” Mr. Mahan says.

From The Wall Street Journal

What we got instead was a colossal boondoggle.

From The Wall Street Journal