stead

1 of 2

noun

ˈsted How to pronounce stead (audio)
Synonyms of steadnext
1
: the office, place, or function ordinarily occupied or carried out by someone or something else
acted in his brother's stead
2
: advantage
—used chiefly in the phrase to stand one in good stead
Their language skills will stand them in good stead when they travel.
3
obsolete : locality, place

stead

2 of 2

verb

steaded; steading; steads

transitive verb

: to be of avail to : help

Synonyms of stead

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Noun

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Examples of stead in a Sentence

Noun a summer internship will stand you in good stead when applying to college
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Reserve right tackle Stone Forsythe finished the game in Freeling’s stead. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026 In his stead, Jamal Roberts tallied 395 yards through four games, while former Ole Miss quarterback Austin Simmons has blossomed in his new town with 947 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, all without a turnover. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 The guitarist ultimately rejoined the band, with Alex Feder stepping in to play in his stead at concerts. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2026 The dine-in omakase counter has sadly departed, but in its stead, Café Sushi Shoten has adopted a to-go model paired with Japanese groceries and sundries that is no less authentic, engaging, and delicious. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stead

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English stede, from Old English; akin to Old High German stat place, Old English standan to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stead was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing stead

Rhymes for stead

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Browse Nearby Words

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stead
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Cite this Entry

“Stead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stead. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stead

noun
ˈsted
1
: advantage sense 3, service
their knowledge of French stood them in good stead
2
: the place usually taken or duty carried out by the one mentioned
acted in the mayor's stead
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