despite 1 of 2

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

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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

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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
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 And then - despite barely stepping over the halfway line - the hosts hit the crossbar and had a shout for a penalty. SI.com, 25 Aug. 2019 See All Example Sentences for despite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despite
Preposition
  • Royal scandal notwithstanding, Charles and Camilla married on April 9, 2005, eight years after Diana died in a Paris car crash.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Chenoweth’s magic number notwithstanding, the reasons are less tangible than a simple equation.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Violations would be enforceable under New York’s criminal contempt laws, ensuring accountability.
    Eric Gonzalez, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • But the contempt seems to be even louder behind closed doors.
    Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Slightly off-topic comments can derail it so far away from the original point, and it isn't always done with malice.
    Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • To borrow another logical principle, Hanlon's razor: Don't ascribe to malice that which can be otherwise explained by rank incompetence.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Mitch Raposo: Mitch Raposo needed to negate an eight-inch reach disadvantage against Sumudaerji.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Despite its disadvantages, single living is on the rise.
    Peter McGraw, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Observers called it the perfect mix of effectiveness and disdain.
    Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Maher, a lifelong liberal and longtime critic of Trump, has never held back on his disdain for the Republican president’s actions and policies.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The ecosystem remains unstable in spite of investments and the introduction of new tools.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Much has been made of Maldonado making the team for his defense and in spite of his offense.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another major talking point in the meeting was cost control given the expense of the current and upcoming power unit designs.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Did anyone buy or sell stocks, and profit at the public's expense?
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • That ecstatic communal experience is a glorious moment of freedom for oppressed people, most of them living hand-to-mouth in an environment of hatred and exploitation.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • In fact, her personal hatred of gripping challenges even served as her Survivor hot take below.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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