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
Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2023
Westbrook recently scored a triple-double despite shooting 7-for-27 from the floor.
—Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, 7 Dec. 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
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
Westbrook recently scored a triple-double despite shooting 7-for-27 from the floor.
—Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, 7 Dec. 2019
See All Example Sentences for despite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despite
Preposition
-
Firm if slightly sweaty handshake notwithstanding, there’s a gentleness to Root; old-school manners, slender shoulders and a reedy Sheffield twang.—
James Wallace,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
-
In an inversion of the more common critical reception of an emerging artist, this new writer’s poetry was often noticed but seldom admired, notwithstanding the Daily Mirror’s snide enthusiasm.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Can storytelling help move audiences beyond caricatures, outrage, and contempt?—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
Paxton has repeatedly called Talarico a vegan along the campaign trail — a claim that would make many Texans scoff in contempt.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Jurors decided that Grossman also acted with malice and oppression and Erickson acted with malice, oppression, or fraud.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
The jury also found that Grossman and Erickson acted with malice, potentially triggering a punitive damages phase of trial that could result in further penalties.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The conclusion for Gen Z is that they have been handed a giant disadvantage, with no mentoring in the remote-work era to plug the gap.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
-
Former Iowa party chair Scott Brennan argued in his pitch that Republicans in his state are guaranteed to hold their contest first no matter what, putting Democratic candidates across the state at a broad disadvantage.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
One fundamental issue is extreme tribalism’s destructive momentum toward distrust and disdain of others.—
Steven D. Reske,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Anfield did not turn its back in disdain, however, as Clough would have.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
The Royals expressed confidence in Erceg in spite of his recent run of subpar performances.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
31 May 2026
-
In spite of the cool winter chinch bugs are feeding in Augustine lawns; treat when noticed.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
If that appeals to you, hop aboard the complimentary shuttle and go to town—guests at the Ocean Club can charge expenses at Atlantis right to their room.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 May 2026
-
Another potential funding source cited in the proposal is starting to use grants and penalty funds obtained by the city attorney’s office to cover general fund expenses.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Monday showed why the Middle East’s generational hatreds are so often treacherous for American presidents.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
-
More deeply, San Diego’s Muslims have been puzzling over the roots of the hatred that sent two young men into a holy place with the intent to commit mass murder.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Despite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despite. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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