instead

Adverb

Synonyms: alternatively or else rather

WordNet 3.0

Adverb (2)

in place of, or as an alternative to“Felix became a herpetologist instead”“alternatively we could buy a used car”Synonyms: alternatively 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”“used English terms instead of Latin ones”Synonyms: rather

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Instead \In*stead"\, adv. [Pref. in- + stead place.] [1913 Webster]

1.In the place or room; -- usually followed by of. [1913 Webster]

Let thistles grow of wheat.— Job xxxi. 40.[1913 Webster]

Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab.— 2 Sam. xvii. 25.[1913 Webster]

2.Equivalent; equal to; -- usually with of. [R.] [1913 Webster]

This very consideration to a wise man is instead of a thousand arguments, to satisfy him, that in those times no such thing was believed.— Tillotson.[1913 Webster]