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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In his stead, Lucas Havrisik made all four of his field goals — including a franchise record 61-yarder — but was just 7-of-9 on extra points. — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 If not someone who can carry the team in his stead, someone who can be additive to their goal of survival. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 26 July 2026 To get to the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra has largely commanded others to fight in her stead, building support by emphasizing how deeply she’d been wronged by her family. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026 The additional investment in facilities and road transportation DHL Express made during the pandemic has helped put the business in good stead for navigating the current geopolitical uncertainty. — Sam Forsdick, Fortune, 1 July 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

Ste
stead
steadfast
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Cite this Entry

“Stead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stead. Accessed 5 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on stead

Nglish: Translation of stead for Spanish Speakers

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