instead of
preposition
in·stead of
in-ˈste-də(v) 
-ˈsti-
: in place of : as a substitute for or alternative to
chose tea instead of coffee
Examples of instead of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Afterwards, the actress said the pair were able to go on several trips together — instead of just one honeymoon — due to the 2023 SAG strike.
—
Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Even if the Rams had scored with, say, 90 seconds to go instead of 38 seconds, because a blitz misfired, at least Carolina would have had time to try for a tying field goal and send the game into OT.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
Some council members have questioned whether the city is rushing the process instead of implementing a more deliberative process to determine if the building can be fixed.
—Jack Fink, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
The number of Gen Zers signing up for vocational programs and trade schools instead of higher education is at a record high.
—Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 11 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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