Instead - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT instead /ɪnˈstɛd/ /ɪnˈstɛd/ IPA guide

The adverb instead means in place of or as a substitute for something else. If your best friend has a temper tantrum every time you play miniature golf, maybe next time you should go to the movies instead.

The adverb instead was originally two words, "in stead," with "stead" coming from stede, the Old English word for place. The adverb instead can also mean rather than, and in this context it's usually followed by "of." Instead of worrying about the weather for your vacation, which is beyond your control, you should worry about whether you packed everything you need.

Definitions of instead

adverb in place of, or as an alternative to “Felix became a herpetologist instead” synonyms: alternatively, or else
adverb on the contrary “rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter” “used English terms instead of Latin ones” synonyms: rather

Pronunciation US /ɪnˈstɛd/ UK /ɪnˈstɛd/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘instead'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

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