Synonyms for instead
- adverb
Most common
Definitions
- adv. 1
In the place of something (usually mentioned earlier); as a substitute or alternative.
I was going to go shopping, but I went dancing instead.
Example sentences
- rather I would rather stay at home than go to the movies.
- alternatively You can walk, or alternatively, I'll drive you there in my car.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| instead | rising | |
| rather | steady | |
| alternatively | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 6 letters
- rather2
- 13 letters
- alternatively5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (rather2 = 2 syllables).