instead of

Preposition

Meaning

instead of

In lieu of; in place of; rather than.
He walked to school instead of taking the car.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Synonyms

before rather than in lieu of in place of in opposition to in contrast to in exchange for in comparison to as opposed to in return for contrarily to as against as an alternative to as contrasted with as equivalent to

Show all synonyms

Antonyms

besides honor celebrate commemorate against and

Show all antonyms

Examples

When you see that the devil has your child by the throat, instead of getting angry at your son for straying from the right path, turn to God. Learn to turn to God in prayer for your children. Instead of scolding or condemning them, ask God to intervene in your struggles with your children. Porphyrios of Kafsokalyvia

The first human who hurled an insult instead of a stone was the founder of civilization. Sigmund Freud

Christians, instead of arming themselves with swords, extend their hands in prayer. Athanasius of Alexandria

Instead of opening your mouth, open your eyes. Turkish Proverb

A bad knife cuts one's finger instead of the stick. Portuguese Proverb

Teach your tongue to say "I don't know” instead of to make up something. Jewish Proverb

Close letter words and terms

Instaverse Instaworthy instead instead of ice cream instead of that instealing