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; 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.
But the Vatican nevertheless was spooked enough that Leo opted against returning to his home country for the America 250 celebration this summer.
From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026
Simons told the BBC that he nevertheless decided to resign because the story was a "distraction" for the government.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
The country’s airlines are nevertheless quickly restoring schedules.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
American AI giant Anthropic nevertheless agreed in September to pay $1.5 billion to settle a class-action lawsuit by authors.
From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026
The question “Told by whom?” was so palpable between them that, though Lazlo didn’t ask it—except, perhaps, with his eyebrows—Sarai nevertheless answered.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
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.
