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 The Democratic caucus voted 131-84 to install Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) instead. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025 Focus your energy instead on compromise and long-term peace with the right people. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025 And the state instead just decided to attack his credibility. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2025 This is not a flashy, one-time concept, instead Ga.o House is a quiet prototype; a living building that responds to its climate and its occupants. New Atlas, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for instead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instead
rather
Adverb
  • Adam wasn't killed by Ethan or Gentry goons, but rather Nicky.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 6 June 2025
  • This is not due to aging itself, but rather to older adults being more likely to take medications that dry their mouths or have conditions that can cause dry mouth, such as dehydration, like diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.3 2.
    Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Instead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/instead. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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