Definitions

1. adverb

used to indicate a contrast or replacement, typically used to introduce an alternative or substitute

“She’ll be going to the movies instead of watching TV tonight.”

2. preposition

used to indicate that something is used or done instead of something else

“He spent his money on a new phone instead of saving it.”

3. conjunction

used to introduce a contrasting or alternative clause

“I wanted to go to the beach, but it was raining, so we went to the park instead.”