not·with·stand·ing
ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ 
-wit͟h-
: despite
notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success
—often used after its objectthe motion passed, our objection notwithstanding
: although
Synonyms
Examples of notwithstanding in a Sentence
Preposition
There were purges and there were trials, but compared with the 1940s these were mild indeed, Germany was finally reunited, and, appalling wars in the Balkans notwithstanding, Europe survived the end of the Cold War.
—
Nicholas Fraser, Harper's, May 2006
Over all, the Illinois is a fairly straight river, only ten per cent longer than its beeline, the fact notwithstanding that the bends at Pekin corkscrew like fishing line that has come untied.
—John McPhee, New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2004
It may sound excessive, even notwithstanding dietary concerns, but actually the balance of textures and flavors is perfect: the oiliness of the egg is matched by the sharp saltiness of the anchovies …
—Nigella Lawson, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2003
What happened to him was in no way his fault, notwithstanding the whispered innuendos of the English-speaking residents.
—Francine Prose, Harper's, March 2002
we went to see the show, my objections notwithstanding
Adverb
Although there are some who oppose the plan, we will go through with it notwithstanding.
you're rather late getting here, but you're welcome to join us for dinner notwithstanding
Conjunction
the man suspected of being the serial killer is little known to his neighbors, notwithstanding he has lived in the apartment complex for years
Nicholas Fraser, Harper's, May 2006
Over all, the Illinois is a fairly straight river, only ten per cent longer than its beeline, the fact notwithstanding that the bends at Pekin corkscrew like fishing line that has come untied.
—John McPhee, New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2004
It may sound excessive, even notwithstanding dietary concerns, but actually the balance of textures and flavors is perfect: the oiliness of the egg is matched by the sharp saltiness of the anchovies …
—Nigella Lawson, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2003
What happened to him was in no way his fault, notwithstanding the whispered innuendos of the English-speaking residents.
—Francine Prose, Harper's, March 2002
we went to see the show, my objections notwithstanding
Adverb
Although there are some who oppose the plan, we will go through with it notwithstanding.
you're rather late getting here, but you're welcome to join us for dinner notwithstanding
Conjunction
the man suspected of being the serial killer is little known to his neighbors, notwithstanding he has lived in the apartment complex for years
Recent Examples on the Web
Janey Tracey, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
But, notwithstanding that these are children, often Dreamers—born here and unaware of life anywhere else—forcible, legal removal from school implies wrongdoing.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
The Sasaki stomachache notwithstanding, the Padres still need to lock down a left fielder, a potentially big-league-ready catcher and at least one more arm for the rotation.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for notwithstanding 
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Preposition
The movie’s message — that true beauty lies within — still rings true, notwithstanding the eternal debate: Are we supposed to prefer the Beast or the Prince?
—Janey Tracey, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
But, notwithstanding that these are children, often Dreamers—born here and unaware of life anywhere else—forcible, legal removal from school implies wrongdoing.
—Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
Adverb
Elon Musk’s contributions notwithstanding, in just three months Harris raised far more money than Trump, from a much broader and deeper bench of wealthy elites.
—Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
The Sasaki stomachache notwithstanding, the Padres still need to lock down a left fielder, a potentially big-league-ready catcher and at least one more arm for the rotation.
—Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for notwithstanding
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Dictionary Entries Near notwithstanding
Cite this Entry
“Notwithstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notwithstanding. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
notwithstanding
1 of 2 preposition
not·with·stand·ing
ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ
-wit͟h-
: despite entry 2
we went ahead with our plan notwithstanding their objections
notwithstanding
2 of 2 adverbLove words? Need even more definitions?
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