notwithstanding

[ not-with-stan-ding, -with- ]

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: because of, on account 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

/ -wɪð-; ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ /

preposition

1. often immediately postpositive in spite of; despite

conjunction

1. despite the fact that; although

sentence connector

1. in spite of that; nevertheless

Word History and Origins

Origin of notwithstanding¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of notwithstanding¹

C14: not + withstanding, from Old English withstandan, on the model of Medieval Latin non obstante, Old French non obstant

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

The dividend notwithstanding, frustrated shareholders, marshaled by an investment firm named Engine No.

From Washington Post

The fact, though, that NBCUniversal is moving so quickly to get rid of NBCSN — which airs NHL games and NASCAR races and pulls $380 million in revenue before advertising — is surprising, the high cost of sports rights notwithstanding.

From Digiday

Country music, Ray Charles and Charley Pride notwithstanding, is generally unfriendly to people of color, perhaps not by design but definitely out of habit.

From Time

Lackluster defense notwithstanding, Ohio State does feature the superior offense, one capable of keeping the Buckeyes in every matchup.

From FiveThirtyEight

Such feats notwithstanding, Carr says that his own virtual event has had a humbling effect.

From Outside Online

Clickbait title notwithstanding, Bend Over and Take It Like a Prisoner!

From The Daily Beast

Inaccurate label notwithstanding, Plan B is classified by the FDA as a contraceptive.

From The Daily Beast

One Love notwithstanding, on the night of the gig, Bunny demanded his £10,000 fee in cash before he would take to the stage.

From The Daily Beast

Potentially inflammatory data points notwithstanding, the study presents otherwise unsurprising information.

From The Daily Beast

And Rand Paul notwithstanding, most GOP insiders believe them, too.

From The Daily Beast

He leant against the wall of his refuge, notwithstanding this boast, and licked the ice to moisten his parched lips.

From Project Gutenberg

He couldn't know now whether she was serious or merely joking; but notwithstanding it sounded pleasant to his ears.

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding the intense heat the open-air life of the march was healthy, and, in many respects, agreeable.

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding the unseemly hour, the people came running out at the outcry and clamor especially those from the nearest houses.

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding, they bear with much patience a great deal of abuse from unkind masters.

From Project Gutenberg