not·with·stand·ing
ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ 
-wit͟h-
: despite
notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success
—often used after its objectthe motion passed, our objection notwithstanding
: although
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
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
Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Some daylight has begun to emerge between Israel and the United States on Gaza as well as on other issues, including the Houthis in Yemen, the new government in Syria, and even to some extent on Iran, notwithstanding the U.S. intervention.
—Max Rodenbeck, Foreign Affairs, 25 June 2025
Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Such smooth legislative sailing notwithstanding, plenty of environmental advocates, renewable energy industry groups, construction unions, structural engineers and code enforcement officials have turned out to oppose the bill.
—Ben Christopher, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
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Preposition
At the same time, France, notwithstanding a recent strike at the Louvre against unmanageable crowds, has seen relatively little protests.
—Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
Some daylight has begun to emerge between Israel and the United States on Gaza as well as on other issues, including the Houthis in Yemen, the new government in Syria, and even to some extent on Iran, notwithstanding the U.S. intervention.
—Max Rodenbeck, Foreign Affairs, 25 June 2025
Adverb
Future threats to Uruguayan waterfowl conservation notwithstanding, for our group of American bird hunters, another clear-cool afternoon proves ideal to visit the edge of a grove of eucalyptus, a favorite roost for nearly unfathomable numbers of doves.
—Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Such smooth legislative sailing notwithstanding, plenty of environmental advocates, renewable energy industry groups, construction unions, structural engineers and code enforcement officials have turned out to oppose the bill.
—Ben Christopher, Mercury News, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
Cite this Entry
“Notwithstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notwithstanding. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 adverbLove words? Need even more definitions?
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