instead of
preposition
in·stead of
in-ˈste-də(v) 
-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
The campy, colorful contest has been likened to the World Cup with songs instead of soccer.
—
Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
The city even wants to use bricks instead of asphalt to retain the area's image.
—Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 16 May 2026
Gray and his superb cast are in blazing form and full command here in a bruising movie that reveals the heavy price of pursuing the American Dream too recklessly, instead of heeding Aeschylus’ words.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Now, each driver gets only one run to crack the top 12, instead of multiple, and that means the pressure is on.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for instead of
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.
Jill Lawless, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
The city even wants to use bricks instead of asphalt to retain the area's image.
—Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 16 May 2026
Gray and his superb cast are in blazing form and full command here in a bruising movie that reveals the heavy price of pursuing the American Dream too recklessly, instead of heeding Aeschylus’ words.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Now, each driver gets only one run to crack the top 12, instead of multiple, and that means the pressure is on.
—Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for instead of
Cite this Entry
“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
