instead

UK: /ɪnˈstɛd/ US: /ɪnˈstɛd/ ,(in sted′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•stead /ɪnˈstɛd/   adv. 

1. as a substitute;
   in place of someone or something:
   The roast beef is gone, so we'll have steak instead.

Idioms

2. Idioms instead of, in place of:
   Instead of meat, how about fish?

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

in•stead  (in sted′), adv. 

1. as a substitute or replacement;
   in the place or stead of someone or something:
   We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.
2. in preference;
   as a preferred or accepted alternative:
   The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.
3. Idioms instead of, in place of;
   in lieu of:
   You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.

• 1175–1225; Middle English; origin, originally phrase in stead in place

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

instead / ɪnˈstɛd/ adverb

1. as a replacement, substitute, or alternative
2. instead of ⇒ (preposition) in place of or as an alternative to

Etymology: 13th Century: from phrase in stead in place