1
: as a substitute or equivalent
was going to write but called instead
2
: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather
longed instead for a quiet country life
Examples of instead in a Sentence
I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.
Recent Examples on the Web
It's instead meant to help answer questions about the characteristics of the land, namely where it's located, so that others can make more informed decisions about what to do with it.
—
Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024
To the surprise of many, the NFL didn’t settle an antitrust class action lawsuit over the Sunday Ticket and is instead defending league broadcasting practices in a trial currently taking place in a Los Angeles federal district court.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 June 2024
Step up your fashion game with this stylish high-neck tank top instead.
—Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2024
But she’s always found her way back online, opting instead to use her massive platform for real talk.
—Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for instead 
Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 21 June 2024
To the surprise of many, the NFL didn’t settle an antitrust class action lawsuit over the Sunday Ticket and is instead defending league broadcasting practices in a trial currently taking place in a Los Angeles federal district court.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 21 June 2024
Step up your fashion game with this stylish high-neck tank top instead.
—Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2024
But she’s always found her way back online, opting instead to use her massive platform for real talk.
—Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for instead
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instead.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near instead
Cite this Entry
“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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instead
adverb
in·stead
in-ˈsted 
: as a substitute
was going to write but called instead
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