notwithstanding

American  

[not-with-stan-ding, -with-] / ˌnɒt wɪðˈstæn dɪŋ, -wɪθ- /

preposition

1. in spite of; without being opposed or prevented by.

   Notwithstanding a brilliant defense, he was found guilty. She went to the game anyway, doctor's orders notwithstanding.

   Antonyms:

   on account of, because of

---

conjunction

1. in spite of the fact that; although.

   It was the same material, notwithstanding the texture seemed different.

adverb

1. nevertheless; anyway; yet.

   We were invited notwithstanding.

notwithstanding British  

/ -wɪð-, ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ /

preposition

1. (often immediately postpositive) in spite of; despite

---

conjunction

1. despite the fact that; although

1. in spite of that; nevertheless

Related Words

Notwithstanding, despite, in spite of imply that something is true even though there are obstacles or opposing conditions. The three expressions may be used practically interchangeably. Notwithstanding suggests, however, a hindrance of some kind: Notwithstanding the long delay, I shall still go. Despite indicates that there is an active opposition: Despite procrastination and disorganization, they finished the project. In spite of implies meeting strong opposing forces or circumstances that must be taken into account: She succeeded in spite of many discouragements.

Etymology

Origin of notwithstanding

1350–1400; Middle English (preposition, adverb, and conjunction); not, withstand, -ing ²

Explanation

Notwithstanding means "in spite of something." Your boasts about having memorized the entire textbook and bribing the teacher with apples notwithstanding, you still managed to fail the final exam with flying colors. You don't have to look too closely at the word to be able to break it into three parts: not- + withstand (to successfully oppose or resist) + the participial ending -ing. In the most literal sense, notwithstanding actually means to successfully oppose or resist. Top-of-the-line wet-traction tires notwithstanding, the car still got stuck in the mud. Notwithstanding works just as well in a more figurative context. His reputation for charm and tact notwithstanding, he offended everyone in the room.

Example Sentences

Iskander’s David is a young man whose youthful piety and heroism make him a sympathetic figure, notwithstanding the bag of cold cuts.

From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026

But to withstand legal challenges, legislators employed a unique Canadian invention, the controversial "notwithstanding clause".

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

“Until clarity improves, this episode is likely to weigh as a near‑term overhang, notwithstanding our expectation that operating metrics continue to trend positively over the medium-term,” they add.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

She’s not one for fashion statements, outlandish antics or attention-seeking initiatives, her joint podcast with close friend Madison Keys notwithstanding.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

These unfortunate mishaps notwithstanding, we wizards may congratulate ourselves on a job well done.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling