instead
Americanadverb
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as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something.
We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.
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in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative.
The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.
idioms
adverb
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as a replacement, substitute, or alternative
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(preposition) in place of or as an alternative to
Etymology
Origin of instead
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English; originally phrase in stead “in place”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She's instead set her sights on a new, modern dress.
From BBC
Sherrell and colleagues from Rutgers and partner institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom chose to gather direct field measurements instead.
From Science Daily
While her affection for Kermit is true, the great joke of their affair is that he’s often portrayed as tolerating her instead of providing the full worship she demands – nay, deserves.
From Salon
A way to start the day feeling like a human being instead of a chess piece.
From Salon
For years, scientists have known that many Archaea can produce pyrrolysine, giving them 21 amino acids to work with instead of the usual 20.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
