Instead definitions
In the place of something previously mentioned; as a substitute or an equivalent.
Having planned to drive, we walked instead.
adverb
In preference; as an alternative.
Yearned instead for a home and family.
adverb
In place of the person or thing mentioned: as an alternative or substitute.
To feel like crying, but to laugh instead.
adverb
Instead is defined as something chosen in place of or as a substitute for something else.
When you want to have ice cream but you are out and you settle for pudding, this is an example of a situation where you had pudding instead.
adverb
In the place of something (usually mentioned earlier); as a substitute or alternative.
I was going to go shopping, but I went dancing instead.
adverb