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
  • All-caps notwithstanding, this declaration didn’t receive a great deal of attention.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Yet, notwithstanding the drop in transits, increasing volumes of oil are bypassing the strait altogether or relying on US protection and ship-to-ship transfers to move oil covertly out of the Persian Gulf.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of notwithstanding
Noun
  • That court, which has five judges appointed by Republican governors and two appointed by Democrats, then summoned Hoskins, a Republican, to appear for a contempt of court hearing Thursday.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins is set to face the state Supreme Court today to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of contempt
Noun
  • Toliaferro is charged with malice murder, criminal trespass and obstruction in the death of 30-year-old Kenyon Jeffries, according to the district attorney's office.
    — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Steele said authorities concluded the shooting did not meet the legal standard for a murder charge because the evidence did not support a finding of malice or premeditation.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of malice
Noun
  • When the bro-country era featured songs about field parties, drinking and one-night stands, cultural double standards put women at a disadvantage.
    — Tom Roland, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Tariffs are being used to force other countries to change behavior that puts the United States at an unfair disadvantage.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of disadvantage
Noun
  • The moment Mona meets the production’s director, Jerry (Paul Giamatti), his disdain is palpable.
    — Cortlyn Kelly, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The right can’t stop talking about his sharp criticisms of MAGA leadership, disdain for US foreign policy, and his pro-Palestinian stance.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • On a day of love and spite and contrasts, his words resonate.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Magneto’s words are said in spite to Charles, the man who will miss him the most — who cradles his helmet for hours after Apocalypse has gone, and who keeps reliving the memory of his death over and over again throughout the season.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of spite
Noun
  • The ratios offer a little more room for expenses by putting a little less toward savings than the longstanding gold standard, the 50/30/20 budget.
    — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The family has several immediate needs, including clothing, food, personal items and help with temporary living expenses, Sharp said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of expense
Noun
  • The defense kept prodding James to tell more about the Compton gang war, the hatred between both sides, what really happened on that night in Las Vegas.
    — Jeff Weiss, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026
  • His hatred of the Islamic State group appears genuine, and American cooperation with Damascus against the terrorist network will benefit the Syrians who suffered most under its rule.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 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 Sep. 2026.

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