despite 1 of 2

as in notwithstanding
without being prevented by we went to the party despite the bad weather outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

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despite

2 of 2

noun

1
2
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
Through the family’s ups and downs, Copeland was a steadying presence, despite his disability. al, 6 May 2020 Los Angeles County beaches will remain closed for the time being, despite other coastal stretches reopening — with limitations — this week in nearby Orange County with the state’s blessing. Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2020
Noun
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 Westbrook recently scored a triple-double despite shooting 7-for-27 from the floor. Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, 7 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for despite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despite
Preposition
  • His coy response notwithstanding, Newsom has been developing a national image with a possible presidential run in mind, soliciting national media attention and making appearances in other states.
    Dan Walters, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Now the best offense in the league rolls into town, and Denver’s own offense hasn’t quite shown the consistent capability to win in a shootout (last Sunday notwithstanding).
    Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the aftermath of her refusal, Davis was jailed for acting in contempt of court and lost her clerk re-election.
    NPR, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
  • She was found in contempt of court and spent five nights in jail.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Shortly after, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the kidnapping, rape and malice murder charges.
    Veronica Fulton, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Potential adversaries interpret political action in zero-sum terms; see malice and evil design in mere blunders and coincidence; trumpet necessity rather than navigate choice; and, in extreme cases, invent pretext or promise profit to make more palatable a dubious cause.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But without Cooper, Willams and Patton, the Cyclones will be at a severe personnel disadvantage.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Hoffman acknowledged that the developers of data centers have been prone to operate in secret out of their concern of putting clients at a competitive disadvantage compared with rival companies.
    Peter Passi, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Nico Harrison’s disdain for beloved superstar Luka Dončić is going to end what was once a promising career as a basketball general manager.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
  • In recent months, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has echoed his disdain for unproductive meetings.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The challenge now is not just falling in love against all odds, but staying together in spite of them.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2025
  • In spite of Chicago's defensive shortcomings, the team is 5-3 and is right in the thick of playoff contention in the NFC.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Different food hubs help farmers cut expenses by providing a variety of resources, such as warehousing, transportation and delivery, education, marketing, contract management and some even provide supplies to farmers.
    Cristina LaRue, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • However, data provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges shows that cost-of-living increases, not tuition, drove up the expense of studying medicine in recent years.
    Tribune News Service, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • My darling, hatred takes the beauty away.
    Tracee Ellis Ross, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Muschietti touched on this in his movies — the bullying of Mike Hanlon and the hate-crime murder of Adrian Mellon — including the way Pennywise fosters and foments the hatred already lurking in the hearts of Derry’s citizens.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Despite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despite. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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