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

Roberts, instead, pushed his own theories—and created his own supposed doctrine—even over the basic facts with which the case began.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

Two-thirds of the U.S. population wears glasses, but many still avoid showing them in public, either by taking them off for photos or wearing contact lenses instead.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Meanwhile, it’s become easy for top bosses to contact junior employees directly — for example, with a Slack message — instead of communicating, as in the past, through layers of management.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

This design is intended to concentrate the added metabolic effect in GLP-1R/GIPR- expressing cells instead of distributing it throughout the body.

From Science Daily • May 7, 2026

Imani called in sick today, so I’m covering the breakfast rush at the OldMill instead of working my usual shift at the marina.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam