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Definition of instead

instead

/ɪnˈstɛd/
in · stead
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instead Lexical Profile

instead Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

As an alternative or substitute; in the place of someone or something previously mentioned.

Example

"There was no coffee left in the pantry, so she brewed a cup of herbal tea instead."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

When used alone, 'instead' functions as a conjunctive adverb at the beginning or end of a clause; when followed by a noun or gerund, it must take the preposition 'of' ('instead of') to form a compound preposition.

• Rhymes for instead

• Nearby Words

instantaneously
instantly
instate
instead
instep
instigate
instigation

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English in stede ('in the place'), formed by fusing the preposition in with the noun stead (meaning 'place' or 'position', from Old English stede), partly modeled on Latin in loco.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Instead. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/instead
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