despite 1 of 2

preposition

di-ˈspīt How to pronounce despite (audio)
Definition of despitenext
as in notwithstanding
without being prevented by we went to the party despite the bad weather outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

despite

2 of 2

noun

1
as in contempt
open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect pointedly ignored his false friend out of despite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm sheer despite was the sole reason for her hurtful comments

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disadvantage
the negative result caused by something that creates difficulty for achieving success baffled as to why working-class voters would vote in despite of their own economic interests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of despite
Preposition
The ad questions why the restrictions are still in place despite the state having many fewer cases of the virus than projections from the Department of Health Services estimated. — Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6 May 2020 Amid a variety of cases of inflated prices across the United States, those focused on the humble egg are among the most sweeping, despite what at first glance appears to be a relatively modest sum. — New York Times, 6 May 2020
Noun
Political observers think Talarico could surge to the fore in the primary despite, or perhaps because of, his outsider status. — Julia Mueller, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025 Despite the fact that the age of female winners has been steadily increasing in the last despite, the average female Oscar winner is 39 years old, according to a Sky News 2023 report—almost a decade younger than the average male winner at 47. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for despite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despite
  1. notwithstanding
  2. contempt
  3. malice
  4. disadvantage
  5. disdain
  6. spite
  7. expense
  8. hatred
Preposition
  • The Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act, for example, prohibits states from imposing certain property taxes on railroads and expressly gives federal courts jurisdiction to stop them, notwithstanding the aforementioned TIA.
    — Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Dips notwithstanding, decent numbers for the August dog days.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of notwithstanding
Noun
  • The comments section runs some 73,000 entries deep, with people talking themselves out of contempt in real time.
    — Josh Martin, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Streissand warned that any unauthorized sale would constitute a breach of trust, fiduciary duty, and contempt of court.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of contempt
Noun
  • Good intentions can become intentional malice when policymakers ignore clear warnings and leave taxpayers stuck with the bill.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Takamura tasks Musashi with eliminating the malice that has spread around the city.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of malice
Noun
  • Behind a slew of Burton buckets, the Valkyries were able to slim the disadvantage to 54-41 by the end of the third quarter.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Democrats face fundraising disadvantages compared with Republicans, along with financial debt, and Martin has confronted criticism over his stewardship of the party.
    — Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of disadvantage
Noun
  • But her comments and obvious disdain for me are not good for my self-esteem.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In the interview last week, Knight continued to make no effort to hide his disdain for Davis.
    — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • Magneto’s words are said in spite to Charles, the man who will miss him the most — who cradles his helmet for hours after Apocalypse has gone, and who keeps reliving the memory of his death over and over again throughout the season.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • But stick with it by asking them to consider the positives and what can still work in spite of the setbacks.
    — Francesca Castagnoli, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of spite
Noun
  • The Arkansas Medicaid program pays the premium and provides additional payments that reduce or eliminate enrollees' out-of-pocket expenses for medical care.
    — Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Yes, the Bengals landed right guard Dalton Risner near the end of last August, but finding a similar player this year would be unlikely, and Risner’s path to becoming a starter in 2025 came at the expense of early-season issues.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of expense
Noun
  • Christian leaders, along with the mayor of Dearborn and the chief of police, came together Monday afternoon to send out a message of unity against hatred.
    — Heath Kalb, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Ungodlike thoughts and their outcomes are not negated just by trying not to think about evil, mistakes, disease, hatred, lack, sorrow, etc.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of hatred

Phrases Containing despite

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despising
despite
despiteful
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Cite this Entry

“Despite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despite. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of despite for Spanish Speakers

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