notwithstanding

1 of 3

preposition

not·​with·​stand·​ing ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce notwithstanding (audio)
-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

notwithstanding

3 of 3

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
Recent Examples on the Web
Preposition
Also, notwithstanding the zeitgeist and issue-based dramas, these filmmakers are concerned about ordinary people’s day-to-day lives. John Hopewell, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 The goal is no mystery: to sweeten the deal by putting the names of the sponsors into the mouths of fans and commentators, notwithstanding the criticism and mockery that has arisen. Sahil Kapur, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2024 And it will be helped by the fact that—notwithstanding Apple’s dominance—the most popular message platform in the US is Facebook Messenger, not iMessage. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Short-term price fluctuations and the odd naysayer notwithstanding, most in the industry agree that 2024 is shaping up to be a dynamic year. Victoria Chynoweth, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 That notwithstanding, this trend, and our consumer base, spans all age groups, geographies, demographics and cultures. Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2024 Inflation has eased substantially, notwithstanding an uptick in December. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2024 South Africa in particular permitted Bashir to escape during his 2015 visit there, notwithstanding an outstanding ICC criminal arrest warrant. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2024 But for all its didactic digressions and the stylistic extravagance of the storytelling, the series is deeply felt and, the stature of its hero notwithstanding, life-sized. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2023
Adverb
His ability to work with universities, governments and Major League Baseball notwithstanding, Mr. Predock could be provocative. Fred A. Bernstein, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Their teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, respectively, are preparing to face off Sunday in Super Bowl 58 and, quarterbacks notwithstanding, the duo are as likely as any players to determine who wins the Lombardi Trophy while commanding much of the Las Vegas spotlight. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2024 These diplomatic noises notwithstanding, Trump’s potential second coming undoubtedly looms large. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024 And while the Baltimore faithful hoped to use that surprising season as a launching pad to even greater heights, the current owners elected not to make any major moves this winter (the addition of Craig Kimbrel notwithstanding). Dan Freedman, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Jarred Vanderbilt’s foot injury is just the latest blow to a supporting cast that, Thursday’s inspirational victory in Boston notwithstanding, has largely been a disappointment. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2024 Resilience notwithstanding, the soft landing comes with hard edges. Oliver Rust, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2024 Trump's election-night attacks notwithstanding, more prominent Republicans called for the nominating race to end quickly. Rick Klein, ABC News, 23 Jan. 2024 Production is set for August (an actors strike notwithstanding). Adam B. Vary, Variety, 28 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'notwithstanding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of notwithstanding was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near notwithstanding

Cite this Entry

“Notwithstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notwithstanding. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

notwithstanding

1 of 2 preposition
not·​with·​stand·​ing ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce notwithstanding (audio)
-wit͟h-
: despite entry 2
we went ahead with our plan notwithstanding their objections

notwithstanding

2 of 2 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on notwithstanding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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