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
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
Sheila Yasmin Marikar, AFAR Media, 19 Mar. 2025
Recent politics notwithstanding, candidates are still looking for employers that have created a culture of inclusion.
—Jen L’estrange, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Ben Goldfarb, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
Yet, this latter episode notwithstanding, his images capture a golden age for print magazines, which were then making enough money to fly photographers around the world to cover parties.
—Oscar Holland, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
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Preposition
There is nothing like cruising the Pacific Coast Highway or Sunset Boulevard with the windows down on a beautiful day—which, recent natural disasters notwithstanding, is typical in L.A.
Photos by Michelle Heimerman
Day One: Hit the beach, scout boutiques, feed the beast
First things first.
—Sheila Yasmin Marikar, AFAR Media, 19 Mar. 2025
Recent politics notwithstanding, candidates are still looking for employers that have created a culture of inclusion.
—Jen L’estrange, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Adverb
Delays notwithstanding, conservationists still have ample reason to hope that the program will ultimately endure.
—Ben Goldfarb, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
Yet, this latter episode notwithstanding, his images capture a golden age for print magazines, which were then making enough money to fly photographers around the world to cover parties.
—Oscar Holland, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
Articles Related to notwithstanding
Cite this Entry
“Notwithstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notwithstanding. Accessed 24 Mar. 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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