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.
The three-stateroom version has a third privacy salon on the lower level instead of a cabin, with a grand stairway leading down to it. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025 Georgia discovered that again this month when Damon Wilson, a rising junior and five-star recruit, bolted for the portal instead of competing to be Georgia’s starting edge linebacker. Seth Emerson, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 Test your ideas in the real world instead of your imagination. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Trump is placing a big bet that his executive actions can cut energy prices and tame inflation and that the tariffs will strengthen the economy instead of exposing consumers to higher prices. Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 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

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 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

instead of

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

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