Instead is a word used to express an alternative choice or option. It can be used in place of the words 'RATHER', 'ELSE', 'ALTERNATIVELY' and 'in lieu'. These words all have the same meaning as instead, but are used in different contexts. For example, 'RATHER' is used to express preference, while 'ELSE' is used to express a different option. 'ALTERNATIVELY' is used to suggest an alternative course of action, and 'in lieu' is used to mean in place of something ELSE. All of these words can be used interchangeably with the word 'instead' to express an alternative choice or option.