notwithstanding

1 of 3

preposition

not·​with·​stand·​ing ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ 

-wit͟h-

: despite

notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success

—often used after its object

the motion passed, our objection notwithstanding

notwithstanding

2 of 3

adverb

: nevertheless, however

notwithstanding

3 of 3

conjunction

: although

Synonyms

Preposition

• despite
• regardless of
• with

Adverb

• even so
• howbeit
• however
• nevertheless
• nonetheless
• still
• still and all
• though
• withal
• yet

Conjunction

• albeit
• although
• altho
• as
• howbeit
• much as
• though
• when
• whereas
• while
• whilst [chiefly British]

Examples of notwithstanding in a Sentence

Preposition

There were purges and there were trials, but compared with the 1940s these were mild indeed, Germany was finally reunited, and, appalling wars in the Balkans notwithstanding, Europe survived the end of the Cold War. —Nicholas Fraser, Harper's, May 2006

Over all, the Illinois is a fairly straight river, only ten per cent longer than its beeline, the fact notwithstanding that the bends at Pekin corkscrew like fishing line that has come untied. —John McPhee, New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2004

It may sound excessive, even notwithstanding dietary concerns, but actually the balance of textures and flavors is perfect: the oiliness of the egg is matched by the sharp saltiness of the anchovies … —Nigella Lawson, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2003

What happened to him was in no way his fault, notwithstanding the whispered innuendos of the English-speaking residents. —Francine Prose, Harper's, March 2002

we went to see the show, my objections notwithstanding

Adverb

Although there are some who oppose the plan, we will go through with it notwithstanding.

you're rather late getting here, but you're welcome to join us for dinner notwithstanding

Conjunction

the man suspected of being the serial killer is little known to his neighbors, notwithstanding he has lived in the apartment complex for years

Recent Examples on the Web

Preposition

But even the strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow has its limits, notwithstanding what Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Putin may assert otherwise. —Daniel Depetris, Twin Cities, 3 Nov. 2024

While iPhones are undeniably more secure than Androids, notwithstanding Google’s efforts to narrow the gap, Apple devices are not immune from attack. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Adverb

Warm Bodies Even in 2024: Decay notwithstanding, that fact that some agencies prominently reported guidance in 2024, four years out from Trump’s directive, is noteworthy. —Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Missteps notwithstanding, McMahon turned wrestling into a true American pastime. —Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Preposition, Adverb, and Conjunction

Middle English notwithstonding, from not + withstonding, present participle of withstonden to withstand

First Known Use

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Conjunction

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

notwithstanding

1 of 2 preposition

not·​with·​stand·​ing ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ 

-wit͟h-

: despite entry 2

we went ahead with our plan notwithstanding their objections

notwithstanding

2 of 2 adverb

: nevertheless, however