not·with·stand·ing
ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ 
-wit͟h-
: despite
notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success
—often used after its objectthe motion passed, our objection notwithstanding
: although
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
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
Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2025
Garry, who first worked with Andersen to analyze the genetic characteristics of Ebola virus in Africa, said the researcher continues to enjoy a strong reputation among his peers, COVID origin coverage notwithstanding.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025
Ben Zauzmer, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
The change of scenery notwithstanding, the Angels ran their winning streak to four with a 4-3 victory over the A’s on Monday night.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
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Preposition
One was his surprise meeting with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Shara, and the subsequent lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, notwithstanding Shara’s history as a leader of a militant Islamist group.
—Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2025
Garry, who first worked with Andersen to analyze the genetic characteristics of Ebola virus in Africa, said the researcher continues to enjoy a strong reputation among his peers, COVID origin coverage notwithstanding.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2025
Adverb
The prior paragraph notwithstanding, 59 Productions breaks the dichotomy between individuals and duos.
—Ben Zauzmer, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
The change of scenery notwithstanding, the Angels ran their winning streak to four with a 4-3 victory over the A’s on Monday night.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
Cite this Entry
“Notwithstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notwithstanding. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 adverbLove words? Need even more definitions?
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