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

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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

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conjunction

1. despite the fact that; although

1. in spite of that; nevertheless

Synonym Usage

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); see 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

See Examples For:

notwithstanding

Its high level of on-screen excitement notwithstanding, “The Odyssey” has more on its mind than derring-do.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

The specifics of Martha Graham’s choreography notwithstanding, it is the bright openness of Copland’s music, its resolutely optimistic cast—particularly his reworking of the Shaker hymn “Simple Gifts”—that has implanted itself in the national imagination.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

Tankers are also headed into the Persian Gulf through the strait, on their way to pick up cargoes, danger notwithstanding.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026

"I was elected to serve this country notwithstanding difficult circumstances - that is what I am doing."

From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026

Likewise, a six-foot man cannot be scaled up to thirty feet, Rabelais notwithstanding.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos