How do you pronounce "instead"?

In American English: /ˌɪnˈstɛd/ (in-STEHD). In British English: /ɪnstˈɛd/ (inst-EHD). In Canadian English: /ˌɪnˈstɛd/ (in-STEHD). In Australian English: /ɪnstˈɛd/ (inst-EHD).

Is "instead" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌɪnˈstɛd/ (in-STEHD), while in British English it's /ɪnstˈɛd/ (inst-EHD).

How to Pronounce "instead"

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instead

/ˌɪnˈstɛd/

in-STEHD

Syllable Breakdown

ɪnin·stɛdstead

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14