Instead meaning

What does “instead” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“instead” is an adverb with 2 meanings. Its most common meaning is: in place of, or as an alternative to.

instead

in place of, or as an alternative to
“Felix became a herpetologist instead”
“alternatively we could buy a used car”
Synonymsalternatively or else
on the contrary
“rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left”
“he didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter”
Synonymsrather

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University