instead

[ in-sted ]

/ ɪnˈstɛd /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR instead ON THESAURUS.COM

adverb

as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something: We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.

in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative: The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.

Nearby words

Idioms

instead of, in place of; in lieu of: You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.

Origin of instead

1175–1225; Middle English; orig. phrase in stead in place

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for instead

Instead, straighten your civic backbone and push back in clear conscience.
Why We Stand With Charlie Hebdo—And You Should Too|John Avlon|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Instead, the man and woman in the truck wanted to know where the crash site was and whether would I show them.
The 7-Year-Old Plane Crash Survivor’s Brutal Journey Through the Woods|James Higdon|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Instead, spa hotels filled up with over 30,000 refugees from the war-troubled Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
Is Putin Turning to Terrorism in Ukraine?|Anna Nemtsova|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But this year, instead of simply voting against Boehner on Tuesday, at least two members of the group are vying to replace him.
The YOLO Caucus' New Cry for Attention|Ben Jacobs|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Instead, I spend much of my time criticizing my fellow atheists.
The Case Against In-Your-Face Atheism|Steve Neumann|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Instead of executing a resolution, which might have been justified by success, Stilicho hesitated till he was irrecoverably lost.
The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire|Edward Gibbon
It should have filled us with dismay, but instead it seemed the beginning of brighter things.
Tell England|Ernest Raymond
It seemed to Polly that the days fairly crept by, instead of galloping past as they had been wont to do in the last three years.
Polly's Southern Cruise|Lillian Elizabeth Roy
Instead, however, of their laughter lessening, the cachinnations became so violent that I began to feel seriously alarmed.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 1, August 21, 1841|Various
The statement may be true; but instead of a cave there is only a tunnel a few rods in length.
Archeological Investigations|Gerard Fowke

British Dictionary definitions for instead

instead

/ (ɪnˈstɛd) /

adverb

as a replacement, substitute, or alternative

instead of (preposition) in place of or as an alternative to

Word Origin for instead

C13: from phrase in stead in place

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for instead

instead

adv.

1590s, from Middle English ine stede (early 13c.; see stead); loan-translation of Latin in loco (French en lieu de). Still often two words until c.1640.

instead

adverb

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Origin of instead

Examples from the Web for instead

British Dictionary definitions for instead

instead

adverb

Word Origin for instead

Word Origin and History for instead

instead