notwithstanding

1 of 3

preposition

not·​with·​stand·​ing ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ 

-wit͟h-

: despite

And notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success.

—often used after its object

The motion passed, our objection notwithstanding.

Spaghetti westerns notwithstanding, Black cowboys were, in fact, a big part of the West.

—Karen Sandstrom

notwithstanding

2 of 3

adverb

: 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.

notwithstanding

3 of 3

conjunction

: although

We left, notwithstanding the party was long from over.

Synonyms of notwithstanding

Preposition

• despite

Adverb

• however
• nevertheless
• though
• nonetheless

Conjunction

• although
• though
• while
• but

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

Grand larceny notwithstanding, our five days in the city were otherwise uneventful, which is to say, completely blissful. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2025

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

Adverb

His full-time maintenance job notwithstanding, Elias hasn’t been able to save for an apartment for himself and his daughter on his $22 an hour wage. —Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

The past few volatile days notwithstanding, the broader market rally that's lifted stocks to a series of record highs in recent months is also a boon for BlackRock, which collects more in fees when asset prices are rising. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Preposition, Adverb, and Conjunction

Middle English notwithstonding, from not + withstonding, present participle of withstonden to withstand

First Known Use

Preposition

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Conjunction

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for notwithstanding

• reprimanding
• undemanding
• understanding
• banding
• branding
• handing
• landing
• sanding
• standing
• stranding
• commanding
• demanding

Kids 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 adverb

: nevertheless, however