Definition of insteadnext
as in rather
as a substitute I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of instead The coaches, administrators, staff and athletes will have no affiliation with our colleges and universities but instead will be employed by their respective professional leagues. — Bruce Svare, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2026 He will not be activated in time for Sunday night’s game and will instead be watching his current and former team square off from the sideline. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026 Qatar’s energy minister, meanwhile, has been emphatic in rejecting gas pipelines and relocating processing facilities to other countries, committing instead to LNG expansion in Ras Laffan. — semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026 But instead, the land breathes with the water, its rhythm steadied by the bogs that quietly hold the balance of the whole system. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for instead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead
rather
Adverb
  • Some groups have also emphasized that public health officials should lead not with conversations about an individual child’s risk or potential benefit from vaccines, but rather the vaccines’ impact on society overall.
    — Nicholas Florko, STAT, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Teddy bears and trains, baseballs and dolls dance through the air into Santa's enormous sack, which sits at Santa's feet, or rather Harry's, who is perched high on the throne at the back of the float, magnificent in white whiskers and red velvet.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instead. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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