/ Dictionary / Index I instead: Meaning and Definition of Find definitions for: in•stead Pronunciation: (in-sted'), [key] — adv. as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something: We ordered tea but were served coffee instead. in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative: The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life. in place of; in lieu of: You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease. See also: instead (Thesaurus) instauration instep Related Content Daily Word Quiz: penury Analogy of the Day: Today’s Analogy Spelling Bee: Today’s Spelling Bee Frequently Misspelled Words Frequently Mispronounced Words Easily Confused Words Writing & Language