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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."

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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.

Wall Street has nevertheless been galvanized by recent mega awards that were even bigger than the salami win.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

My kumbaya heart nevertheless jumped as the anthem continued.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026

In Barcelona, which was spared the worst of the temperature rises, 76-year-old Jose Farre nevertheless said it made it harder for him to sleep and even breathe.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

“While Burnham would likely frame such issuance as “good borrowing”, markets may nevertheless remain focused on increased supply,” they said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 22, 2026

He was teased only slightly by the phantoms of vertigo, but slightly nevertheless.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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