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
  • Dips notwithstanding, decent numbers for the August dog days.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • But opening credits notwithstanding, Schoenbrun and their cast aren’t trying to fashion a wax museum with a pulse.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of notwithstanding
Noun
  • In remarks just before the contempt vote, Paul said the committee was strictly responding to Fauci's refusal to testify, rather than his decisions during the pandemic.
    — Eric McDaniel, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Fauci will first face a contempt of Congress vote within the 15-member Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee, which has an eight-member Republican majority.
    — Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of contempt
Noun
  • Colt Gray, now 16, pleaded guilty to 55 felony counts, including four counts of malice murder, on Friday.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • The suspect, who has not been identified due to his age, faces two counts of malice murder, possession of a pistol by a minor, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 29 July 2026
Definition of malice
Noun
  • Power, an unequal outcome, and a disadvantage the weaker side can’t escape, all in one transaction.
    — ESMT Berlin, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Compared to their American counterparts, Chinese AI companies are at a massive disadvantage in computing power, a gap that has grown substantially since ChatGPT’s release.
    — Garrison Lovely, Time, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of disadvantage
Noun
  • In the interview last week, Knight continued to make no effort to hide his disdain for Davis.
    — Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers brought attention to Abdul el Sayed’s disdain for the state’s beloved Mackinac Island with a trolling post.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • People don’t do what they’re supposed to, or someone betrays someone else for money or power or spite, or maybe a dragon just disobeys its rider and decides to murder a prince.
    — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But stick with it by asking them to consider the positives and what can still work in spite of the setbacks.
    — Francesca Castagnoli, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of spite
Noun
  • Every case has a value, which is determined by the likely amount of recovery or exposure as adjusted by the likely chance or winning or losing ― plus the attorney fees, expenses and costs to get the case over the finish line.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • This is Texas's first year using $1 billion of taxpayer money to fund private school expenses for eligible families who applied to the program.
    — Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of expense
Noun
  • The is mostly a political one that the far-right uses to stoke prejudice and hatred against a community already victimized by that and bullying.
    — Greg Cote August 9, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Nordic noir suggests the presence of violence and hatred beneath the tranquillity and order of the Scandinavian welfare state, just as Southern noir peels back hospitality and charm to reveal repressed family secrets and moral decay.
    — Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of hatred

Phrases Containing despite

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despising
despite
despiteful
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Cite this Entry

“Despite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despite. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on despite

Nglish: Translation of despite for Spanish Speakers

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