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Synonyms

nevertheless

American  
[nev-er-thuh-les] / ˌnɛv ər ðəˈlɛs /

adverb

  1. nonetheless; notwithstanding; however; in spite of that.

    a small but nevertheless important change.


nevertheless British  
/ ˌnɛvəðəˈlɛs /
  1. in spite of that; however; yet

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

What are other ways to say nevertheless?

The adverb nevertheless means “in spite of that” or “all the same.” How is it different from the words but, still, however, and yet? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

Etymology

Origin of nevertheless

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; replacing natheles, notheles natheless; see never, the 2, less

Compare meaning

How does nevertheless compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Explanation

A funny-looking adverb that appears to be made up of three words squished together, nevertheless means “even so" or "all the same.” It’s likely that nevertheless evolved from the Middle English neverthelater, a word with the same sense of “despite anything to the contrary” and “notwithstanding.” You might say of your siblings, "Sure we bicker and get sick of each other sometimes. Nevertheless, they’re family and I love them."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing nevertheless

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.

See Examples For:

The index nevertheless remains at a weak level, having nosedived after the outbreak of the war in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 27, 2026

"These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do," he posted on his Truth Social platform.

From BBC Jul. 24, 2026

It nevertheless stuck to its full-year forecast of net bookings "down by a high single-digit percentage" compared to the previous financial year.

From Barron's Jul. 23, 2026

Higher mortgage rates will nevertheless squeeze the housing market.

From MarketWatch Jul. 23, 2026

Even though you would like to be able to decide for yourself how offended to be, or whether to be offended at all, you must nevertheless be very offended.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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