not·with·stand·ing
ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ 
-wit͟h-
: despite
And notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success.
—often used after its objectThe motion passed, our objection notwithstanding.
Spaghetti westerns notwithstanding, Black cowboys were, in fact, a big part of the West.—
Karen Sandstrom
Karen Sandstrom
: in spite of what has just been said or expressed : nevertheless, however
Although there are some who oppose the plan, we will go through with it notwithstanding.
: although
We left, notwithstanding the party was long from over.
Synonyms of notwithstanding
Relevance
Preposition
Adverb
Conjunction
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
Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
And that long preface to editing isn’t helping, Bill Pullman notwithstanding.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
More than three-quarters of street space — most of our public space — is given over to driving and parking cars, local fights over new bike lanes notwithstanding.
—Jon Orcutt, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
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Preposition
Jaruaypornphatra said customers are willing to take any EV in inventory and are requesting faster delivery to shield themselves from expensive fuel — notwithstanding government subsidies that partly offset the cost.
—Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
And that long preface to editing isn’t helping, Bill Pullman notwithstanding.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
Adverb
Their team’s third win in four games lifted it to 13th — four points above the relegation zone — while Wolfsburg remained second to last after failing to win any of its last 10 games, new coach Dieter Hecking’s return notwithstanding.
—ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
More than three-quarters of street space — most of our public space — is given over to driving and parking cars, local fights over new bike lanes notwithstanding.
—Jon Orcutt, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
Cite this Entry
“Notwithstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notwithstanding. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.
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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
