nevertheless
Americanadverb
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."
Vocabulary lists containing nevertheless
Unit 1: Telling Details
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Charlotte's Web
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The Perks of Being a Wallflower
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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.
The episode has nevertheless left a mark on U.S. relations with the region.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026
Low-rise skinny jeans may be out and High School Musical may no longer top the charts, but 2006 may be a portent nevertheless.
From Slate ● Oct. 2, 2026
Brady says the findings nevertheless show why clinicians should follow recommended measurement procedures more carefully.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 1, 2026
The message from the US and Chinese sides was that the summit had nevertheless helped smooth tensions between the rival superpowers over a host of issues.
From Barron's ● Sep. 25, 2026
They were nevertheless able to produce stone tools, and even managed occasionally to hunt down some of the island’s elephants—though, to be fair, the elephants were a dwarf species as well.
From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
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.
