1
: as a substitute or equivalent
was going to write but called instead
2
: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather
longed instead for a quiet country life
Examples of instead in a Sentence
I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.
Recent Examples on the Web
During a press briefing Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce deflected questions about the allegations against Levi and lifting the sanctions, instead deferring to the Israeli government to investigate.
—
Emily Chang, ABC News, 31 July 2025
In the cult classic, Spinal Tap orders a massive, 18-foot replica of the Stonehenge but instead receives an 18-inch one.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 31 July 2025
Powell did not buckle under Trump’s pressure campaign, instead keeping short-term interest rates at a level of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 31 July 2025
If approved, the foundation would instead use the money for the adaptive swing at Dagg Park.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instead
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.
Emily Chang, ABC News, 31 July 2025
In the cult classic, Spinal Tap orders a massive, 18-foot replica of the Stonehenge but instead receives an 18-inch one.
—Jack Irvin, People.com, 31 July 2025
Powell did not buckle under Trump’s pressure campaign, instead keeping short-term interest rates at a level of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent.
—Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 31 July 2025
If approved, the foundation would instead use the money for the adaptive swing at Dagg Park.
—Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for instead
Cite this Entry
“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instead
adverb
in·stead
in-ˈsted 
: as a substitute
was going to write but called instead
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share