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
At the time, it was said that the King would be on sick leave for two weeks and Crown Prince Haakon was declared the regent in his father’s stead. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 That work stood him in good stead after 2012, when a severe stroke confined the actor to a wheelchair. — Chris Morris, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 In Bosa’s stead, Keion White was at practice again Saturday after returning on Tuesday. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Villa’s recent warm-up defeat to Bayern Munich, though a 2-1 loss, will have offered a useful gauge of what facing elite opposition demands and should stand them in good stead for the level of intensity this game in Salzburg will require. — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 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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Cite this Entry

“Stead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stead. Accessed 4 Sep. 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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