Most common:
* Au lieu de (literally "in place of"): This is the most common and versatile translation. It's used to express a substitution or alternative.
* À la place de (literally "in the place of"): This is similar to "au lieu de" but more formal.
Other options:
* Plutôt que (literally "rather than"): This is used to express a preference or choice.
* Au contraire (literally "on the contrary"): This is used to introduce an opposing idea or statement.
* Inversement (literally "inversely"): This is used to indicate a reversal or opposite action.
* Par contre (literally "on the other hand"): This is used to contrast two ideas or situations.
Examples:
* I want to go to the cinema instead of staying at home. - Je veux aller au cinéma au lieu de rester à la maison.
* He chose to stay at home instead of going to the party. - Il a choisi de rester à la maison à la place d'aller à la fête.
* I'd rather have a glass of wine instead of beer. - Je préférerais un verre de vin plutôt que de la bière.
* He was not happy, on the contrary, he was furious. - Il n'était pas content, au contraire, il était furieux.
* Instead of running, he walked slowly. - Au lieu de courir, il a marché lentement.
The best translation for "instead" will depend on the specific context of the sentence.