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.
Kadooze to Candiace for plopping right down on the couch and jumping into the conversation instead of letting the snub ruin being a part of the anniversary celebration. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026 Since then, the Big Ten has appointed a neutral clock operator, instead of one appointed by the home team. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026 Protest albums always run the risk of relying too much on the lyrics instead of making music that people will actually listen to. — Jake Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026 Dialogue comes from recordings with native speakers, and lessons focus on real-world scenarios like ordering food or navigating an airport instead of vocabulary drills. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 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 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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