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

Radcliffe has my highest admiration, notwithstanding the superb and more traditional work in this category by Nathan Lane, whose Willy Loman is agonizing to watch, and John Lithgow, who, like Chenoweth, was also willing to take on the role of a deeply unsympathetic character. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

His reputation — sign-stealing scandal notwithstanding — is glowing. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

Adverb

Navigating champagne and non-alcoholic beverages notwithstanding, the dream of a first-ever title in just year two of his F1 career can get one step closer to fruition with a third visit to the top step of the podium in Miami on Sunday. —Glen Levy, CNN Money, 1 May 2026

Travel logistics notwithstanding, either opponent will present a stiff challenge for an upstart Spurs team making its first playoff appearance in 2019. —Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 13 Apr. 2026

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