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.
Nasa's Administrator Jared Isaacman said the mission would nevertheless be the most complex ever.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
Low-volatility stocks promise to dampen investors’ portfolio risk while nevertheless allowing them to remain invested in the stock market.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026
A DNA-editing feat involving editing the genes of early stage embryos—a far cry from designer babies, but nevertheless a step in that direction—was announced this week.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
Other organisations are taking a less targeted approach to implementing AI but nevertheless expect it to transform how their workforces spend their days.
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026
Heavy, costly, and temperamental, it was nevertheless ahead of its time.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
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.
