instead of

preposition

in·​stead of in-ˈste-də(v) How to pronounce instead of (audio)
-ˈsti-
: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to
chose tea instead of coffee

Examples of instead of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your unconventional ideas land better when people can experience them instead of only hearing about them. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026 Today, her various closets are brimming with country clothes instead of the designer extravaganzas of yore. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026 In his fifth-inning at-bat, Stephenson was on the other side of two successful challenges by Rutschman that put him down 1-2 in the count instead of up 3-0. — C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 July 2026 When trillions of dollars move through software instead of mahogany offices, the recommendation engine becomes the most powerful philanthropic advisor in history. — Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for instead of

Word History

Etymology

Middle English in sted of

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instead of was in the 13th century

Rhymes for instead of

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Browse Nearby Words

instead
instead of
insteep
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Cite this Entry

“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

instead of

preposition
in-ˌsted-ə(v), 
-ˌstid-
: in place of : as a substitute for
had milk instead of juice

More from Merriam-Webster on instead of

Nglish: Translation of instead of for Spanish Speakers

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