nonetheless
Americanadverb
Etymology
Origin of nonetheless
First recorded in 1840–50; from the phrase none the less
Compare meaning
How does nonetheless compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
This is a word that people don't usually stop and define. They use it to link two seemingly contradictory thoughts. Nonetheless, it does have a definition. It means "in spite of." Break this word up to examine its meaning: None-the-less means that the statement you've just made does not diminish or make less what comes next. We are not at all prepared to climb this mountain, nonetheless we are going to try.
Vocabulary lists containing nonetheless
100 SAT Words Beginning with "N"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Because of Mr. Terupt
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"A Poem for My Librarian, Mrs. Long," Vocabulary from the poem
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But it was flying inside nonetheless and emblazoned on t-shirts.
From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026
But the portfolio’s market-lagging return nonetheless demonstrates the obstacles that the largest stocks face.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026
The investment bank’s analysts see upside risk to Superloop’s A$112 million-A$120 million FY 2026 Ebitda guidance, but nonetheless expect it to be reiterated rather than raised.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Yet the set he designed for “Walküre” shortly before he died in December nonetheless captured Wagner’s immersive essence.
From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026
She didn’t know if the words were for him or for herself, but they felt good to say aloud nonetheless.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
