despite 1 of 2

preposition

di-ˈspīt How to pronounce despite (audio)
Definition of despitenext
as in notwithstanding
without being prevented by we went to the party despite the bad weather outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

despite

2 of 2

noun

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of despite
Preposition
The ad questions why the restrictions are still in place despite the state having many fewer cases of the virus than projections from the Department of Health Services estimated. — Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6 May 2020 Amid a variety of cases of inflated prices across the United States, those focused on the humble egg are among the most sweeping, despite what at first glance appears to be a relatively modest sum. — New York Times, 6 May 2020
Noun
Political observers think Talarico could surge to the fore in the primary despite, or perhaps because of, his outsider status. — Julia Mueller, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025 Despite the fact that the age of female winners has been steadily increasing in the last despite, the average female Oscar winner is 39 years old, according to a Sky News 2023 report—almost a decade younger than the average male winner at 47. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for despite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despite
  1. notwithstanding
  2. contempt
  3. malice
  4. disadvantage
  5. disdain
  6. spite
  7. expense
  8. hatred
Preposition
  • The First World War did cause the telephone industry to be nationalized for a year, but this didn’t make much difference for users, notwithstanding a decree in Indiana that banned speaking German on the phone.
    — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Much of the ire about Panthers cornerbacks has been placed on Akayleb Evans, fairness notwithstanding.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of notwithstanding
Noun
  • The vote came after a tumultuous legal battle over whether the map would be used in Tuesday’s elections, a fight that sparked national attention and saw the state’s top election official held in contempt of court.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Depending on what the inquiry finds in the golf case, potential sanctions could include contempt proceedings if a court order was violated, and possible referral of attorneys to disciplinary authorities.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of contempt
Noun
  • The two are fond but sick of each other, at times bickering with real melancholy and malice.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The Court finds Defendant could not have responded to these instances of 'actual malice' in the First Amended Complaint, as they were not framed as such.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of malice
Noun
  • Interviews with the Democratic governor-elect and a half-dozen top advisers reveal how Bottoms overcame that enormous financial disadvantage to pull off a historic victory.
    — Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • There is a potential disadvantage associated with only taking the minimum distribution each year.
    — Elliot Raphaelson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of disadvantage
Noun
  • During his presidency, Ronald Reagan showed his disdain for the Soviet Union.
    — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
  • More in Out of Pocket, Out of Reach Americans’ disdain for the health insurance system was vividly illustrated nearly two years ago in the reactions to the killing of health insurance executive Brian Thompson.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • There’s nothing gayer than shading an obviously gorgeous woman’s body just out of spite.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In spite—or because—of that emphasis on the purely physical, Capra thrived.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of spite
Noun
  • Prosecutors said Sherman, from September 2015 through May 2025, stole nearly $18 million from her employer to pay off her extravagant credit card expenses.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Seven Corners offers additional flexibility through its optional cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) coverage, which can reimburse up to 75% of eligible nonrefundable expenses when travelers cancel for reasons that wouldn't otherwise qualify.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of expense
Noun
  • Orlando should be proud of the people who gave those words meaning by refusing to let hatred go unanswered.
    — Linda Chapin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The exchange is one of many contentious clashes between those who oppose data centers in their communities, which have earned bipartisan hatred, and those advocating for them.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of hatred

Phrases Containing despite

Browse Nearby Words

despising
despite
despiteful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Despite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despite. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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