Instead Definition & Meaning
instead
- adverb
- in place of, or as an alternative to; "Felix became a herpetologist instead"; "alternatively we could buy a used car"
- 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"; "used English terms instead of Latin ones"
"Instead" in song lyrics
See how instead is used in real songs:
-
"But we're shipwrecked and failing instead"
1200 Techniques — Eye of the Storm -
"Don't want to do the work he wants to party instead"
The 49ers — Puppets -
"Not shot out of anger but duty instead"
Aceyalone — Serve & Protect
Words that rhyme with instead
Usage tips for "instead"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "instead" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for instead to find words that pair well.