Definition of insteadnext
as in rather
as a substitute I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of instead First-year students are encouraged to use campus transit instead. Chris Teague, AJC.com, 3 July 2026 In summer 2026, fashion brands are offering less and less chunky sandals and instead leaning into minimalist cage-toe designs and thin ankle straps that delicately wrap around the foot. René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 3 July 2026 The couple did not have bridesmaids or groomsmen, instead opting for Swift’s brother to serve as her man of honor and Kelce’s brother Jason serving as his best man. ABC News, 3 July 2026 District officials declined to provide the correspondence with Carvalho, instead assigning the request to the district’s Public Records Act unit, where some requests for records have taken years to resolve. Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for instead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead
rather
Adverb
  • America's Block Party is not a singular event but rather an umbrella for local events throughout the United States.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Its light is rather that of a glowing molten metal than that of a burning furnace.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instead. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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