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 His goal, analysts say, is to help Garvey finish in the top two instead of Porter, who would give Schiff a general-election battle. Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 Each unit easily velcros around a rod and features five cubbies for extra shelving, taking advantage of vertical unused space in your closet instead of over-stuffing it with hangers. Ali Faccenda, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2024 Even the drinks are more premium: The Grove had the only bar with a proper margarita, made with top-shelf tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice, instead of neon frozen slush or Cuervo and sour mix. Brett Berk, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2024 District officials scaled back Saturday Learning Quest, offering it at just five elementary schools instead of 24, for the summer of 2023. Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2024 For instance, eating it twice a week instead of four times a week will shrink your carbon footprint by 25% and may also boost longevity. Allison Aubrey, NPR, 3 Mar. 2024 The accused gave the money to trade union leaders instead of the workers. Associated Press, Quartz, 3 Mar. 2024 The company says owners should contact their local dealer instead of driving the vehicle there. USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 Be the one to make a difference instead of sitting on the sideline. Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instead of.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near instead of

Cite this Entry

“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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