Synonyms of instead

Adverb

1. alternatively, instead, or else

usage: in place of, or as an alternative to; "Felix became a herpetologist instead"; "alternatively we could buy a used car"

2. rather, instead

usage: 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"

Definition and meaning of instead (Dictionary)