despite 1 of 2

as in notwithstanding
without being prevented by we went to the party despite the bad weather outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

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despite

2 of 2

noun

1
2
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
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
In Division II, Turpin somehow was dropped from 4th to 5th despite holding off Anderson 29-28 to remain undefeated. Scott Springer, Cincinnati.com, 21 Oct. 2019 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 See All Example Sentences for despite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despite
Preposition
  • Negative reviews notwithstanding, War of the Worlds is still attracting big attention on Prime Video.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • That similarity notwithstanding, neither band fared remotely as well as Heart.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • He was arraigned on Sunday, Aug. 3, on charges of burglary, criminal contempt and weapons possession.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Donald was hit with a slew of charges including assault, strangulation, harassment, criminal obstruction of breathing and contempt of court in that case and was freed on $20,000 bail.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Actual malice means a reporter or press outlet knew their story was false or else acted with reckless disregard for the truth.
    Stephanie A, The Conversation, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Betrayal beyond one’s control may involve situations like forgetting an important date due to stress or feeling overwhelmed, hurting others’ feelings unintentionally by making careless comments or blunders made out of misunderstanding rather than malice.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Noun
  • There are advantages and disadvantages to consider.
    Michael Collins, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Advanced users were given the option of several versions of those models, all of which had advantages and disadvantages.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These sordid sagas are met with public disdain, even occasional outrage, but after a while, a certain numbness sets in.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The passionate Philadelphia fan said that she and other natives aren’t deterred by commenters who show their disdain for the city.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • In spite of that, there was time to savor Friday’s win over the mighty West champs.
    Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The Denver Broncos were one of the NFL's most pleasant surprises last season, going 10-7 and making the playoffs in spite of starting a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This is in sharp contrast to the effort and expense involved in seeing a human therapist.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The friction comes from services that rely on property taxes and sales taxes — expenses that account for roughly 25 cents of every dollar Miami-Dade spends each year.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The Republican Party has nothing positive to say about any person, place or thing that Trump disparages in his rants of hatred.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2025
  • However, Kelly’s hatred towards Beyoncé is well-documented and the singer’s fans have noticed.
    Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 6 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Despite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despite. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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