What does "instead" mean?

In the place of something (usually mentioned earlier); as a substitute or alternative.

What is a synonym for "instead"?

Common synonyms include: alternatively, contrastive option, in place of, mallon, or else, rather.

/ɪnˈstɛd/ adv

adv ·Rare ·Advanced level

Adverb

1
In the place of something (usually mentioned earlier); as a substitute or alternative. not-comparable
"I was going to go shopping, but I went dancing instead."

Adverb

"I may give up soon and just nap instead."

From in + stead, from Middle English ine (“in”) + stede (“stead”). Related to German statt.