as in notwithstanding
without being prevented by
we went to the party despite the bad weather outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in contempt
open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect
pointedly ignored his false friend out of despite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm
sheer despite was the sole reason for her hurtful comments
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of despite
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
Andrew Hirschfeld, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2019
And then - despite barely stepping over the halfway line - the hosts hit the crossbar and had a shout for a penalty.
—SI.com, 25 Aug. 2019
See All Example Sentences for 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
Harris’ campaign fundraising output has stayed consistent in first quarter around $12 million and $11.8 million in second quarter despite, as first reported by Politico, shakeups among senior campaign staff.
—Andrew Hirschfeld, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2019
And then - despite barely stepping over the halfway line - the hosts hit the crossbar and had a shout for a penalty.
—SI.com, 25 Aug. 2019
See All Example Sentences for despite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despite
Preposition
-
All that notwithstanding, Musk has never been in full control of the attention lever.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
30 May 2025
-
In terms of the former, Japan could, for example, agree to increase imports of U.S. agricultural goods, notwithstanding the political sensitivities over rice.—
Robert Ward,
NPR,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
No one is more familiar than Walker with state government’s contempt for constitutional rights.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2025
-
Biden’s Attorney General Merrick Garland was held in contempt by the U.S. House of Representatives for refusing to release them.—
Doug Friednash,
Denver Post,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
As to the media statements, Cook could not offer adequate proof of one element ― malice ― and so could not make out a prima facie case for defamation as to the media statements.—
Jay Adkisson,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
The actress, however, bore no malice, moving to Europe until her death from a brain tumor in 2011, aged 58.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Those who continue managing AI initiatives separately from their core commerce operations may find themselves at a disadvantage as conversational search becomes more prevalent.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
The law defines discrimination as when a trading partner's laws, import duties, regulations or other restrictions place the U.S. at a disadvantage.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Economists and pundits reacted to Trump’s warning with a mix of horror and haughty disdain.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
Trump has made no secret of his disdain for the bloc.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Mulvaney is someone who lives authentically in the face of bigotry and stands in her truth, in spite of an onslaught of hate.—
Kathleen Newman-Bremang,
Refinery29,
22 May 2025
-
In spite of that brevity, some preliminary research suggests DMT can have long-lasting psychological and even therapeutic effects.—
Andy Greenberg,
Wired News,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
The market index currently yields 1.25%, while the ETF has a 1.81% yield and 0.33% expense ratio.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
-
Medical and educational expenses easily top some of the most expensive costs a parent or guardian may face.—
David Kudla,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
No more tolerance of hatred, no more mercy for criminals.—
Sarah Beth Hensley,
ABC News,
28 May 2025
-
Antisemitism, hatred and terrorism must be stopped, lest our civilization fall into the abyss.—
Diane Gensler,
Baltimore Sun,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Despite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despite. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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