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Updated June 2026
As an alternative or substitute; in place of something or someone. It indicates a replacement or different choice from what was originally mentioned.
“Instead of driving, we decided to take the train to reduce our carbon footprint.”
/ɪn.ˈstɛd/
in·stead
Contains -EAD ending; three vowels I-E-A in sequence
Worth 8 points; straightforward word with common letter patterns
Shorter words formed from the letters in “instead”.
8-letter words you can spell by adding one letter to “instead”.
Look up instead in an authoritative dictionary for full definitions, pronunciation, and etymology.
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