Serves in stead is a phrase that implies doing something in place of another. While it suggests a sense of substitution and replacement, its antonyms are words that connote performing a different duty or task altogether. Examples of antonyms for "serves in stead" include neglect, disobey, decline, hinder, oppose, resist, and thwart. These words suggest a sense of defiance, resistance, and reluctance to perform a particular task. Therefore, they are the opposite of "serves in stead," which indicates a willingness to serve and take responsibility for something.