instead

[ in-sted ]

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.

instead

/ ɪnˈstɛd /

adverb

1. as a replacement, substitute, or alternative
2. instead of
   preposition in place of or as an alternative to

Word History and Origins

Origin of instead¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; originally phrase in stead “in place”

Word History and Origins

Origin of instead¹

C13: from phrase in stead in place

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. instead of, in place of; in lieu of:

   You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.

Example Sentences

Attacking the Conservatives for having "turned their back on the world", Sir Keir Starmer said his government would instead strengthen ties with both the US and the EU.

From BBC

And he waited three years as a backup, biding his time as many others in his class bolted for the transfer portal instead.

From Los Angeles Times

The beauty of “Wicked” the movie is that it ends on the story’s highest note, with Elphaba choosing to resist and fly free instead of complying with a corrupt government.

From Salon

The Independent called the show "toothless and vapid" and its two-star review said the documentary "fails to challenge him in any serious way, and is instead a portrait of a curious, attention-seeking family".

From BBC

The teams tackle clues that largely avoid history, geography and high art, instead dealing with memes, movies, TV, sports and modern pop songs.

From New York Times