Instead
Instead adverb - On the contrary.
Usage example: rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter
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Synonyms for Instead
Rather is a synonym for instead in alternatively topic. In some cases you can use "Rather" instead the word "Instead" as an adverb or a conjunction. popular alternative
Rather
Rather adverb - By choice or preference.
Usage example: I would rather go to the movies than stay at home
Instead is a synonym for rather in on the contrary topic. You can use "Instead" instead the word "Rather" as an adverb or a conjunction, if it concerns topics such as preferably. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- first and instead
- first and rather
- sooner and instead
- sooner and rather
- willingly and instead
- willingly and rather
- on the contrary and instead
- on the contrary and rather
- conversely and instead
- conversely and rather
- oppositely and instead
- oppositely and rather
- alternatively and instead
- alternatively and rather
Both words in one sentence
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Mion dubs Keiichi the rather condescending "Kei-chan", but given her rather huge crush on him, it could be read as affectionate instead.
Source: Affectionate Nickname -
Also, in a rather hilarious oversight, when Chapman was locking onto George's Gundam with his rifle, instead of saying "LOCK ON", the HUD instead said "ROCK ON"!
Source: Anime / Mobile Fighter G Gundam - In Mario & Luigi: Dream Team: Following another defeat at the hands of the Mario Bros, instead of blaming it on his minions, he tells them that they did rather well and instead pins it on Antasma.
Cite this Source
Rather and Instead. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/instead/rather
Instead & Rather. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/instead/rather>.
Rather or Instead. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/instead/rather.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "instead" and "rather" have occurred on timeline