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
The Count led a life of relative affluence, too, with five-or-more-figure record contracts instead of the measly two Decca once paid.
—
Larry Tye, Fortune, 4 May 2024
Choose multi-colored bell peppers and halve them (instead of keeping them whole).
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 3 May 2024
The bill would give cities and counties control over self-driving cars, instead of the state.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 3 May 2024
For a spirit-free Lone Ranger, use strawberry club soda as a sparkling wine swap and use a nonalcoholic spirit instead of tequila.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2024
Elliott’s example is from the late stages of production and features a timing chain instead of the less-reliable timing belt found in earlier cars.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 May 2024
Others thought that the shepherd was actually a small black hole instead of a giant planet.
—Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 2 May 2024
Seeing a crudo dish on any menu these days isn’t unusual, but the hamachi with white ponzu, serrano and garlic oil is a standout, as is the show stopping lobster risotto, made with sushi rice instead of the usual arborio.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2024
Cardi herself has worn a bow before, but one made of hair instead of the ribbon variety.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 Apr. 2024
Larry Tye, Fortune, 4 May 2024
Choose multi-colored bell peppers and halve them (instead of keeping them whole).
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 3 May 2024
The bill would give cities and counties control over self-driving cars, instead of the state.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 3 May 2024
For a spirit-free Lone Ranger, use strawberry club soda as a sparkling wine swap and use a nonalcoholic spirit instead of tequila.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2024
Elliott’s example is from the late stages of production and features a timing chain instead of the less-reliable timing belt found in earlier cars.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 2 May 2024
Others thought that the shepherd was actually a small black hole instead of a giant planet.
—Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 2 May 2024
Seeing a crudo dish on any menu these days isn’t unusual, but the hamachi with white ponzu, serrano and garlic oil is a standout, as is the show stopping lobster risotto, made with sushi rice instead of the usual arborio.
—Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2024
Cardi herself has worn a bow before, but one made of hair instead of the ribbon variety.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instead of.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Instead of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instead%20of. Accessed 10 May. 2024.
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