notwithstanding

1 of 3

preposition

not·​with·​stand·​ing ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce notwithstanding (audio)
-wit͟h-
: despite
notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success
often used after its object
the motion passed, our objection notwithstanding

notwithstanding

2 of 3

adverb

notwithstanding

3 of 3

conjunction

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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Preposition
Malkin also looks a step quicker this season (the last two games notwithstanding). Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 Frequent growing pains notwithstanding, Starlink has held a spot near the top of PCMag’s Readers’ Choice list of top ISPs every year since 2022. Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 5 Jan. 2025
Adverb
Galliano gowns notwithstanding, Kidman generally prefers pantsuits to dresses. EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025 The Cabinet of Caligari (1962) Name notwithstanding, The Cabinet of Caligari is more freewheeling stylistic homage than remake. Elle Carroll, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for notwithstanding 

Word History

Etymology

Preposition, Adverb, and Conjunction

Middle English notwithstonding, from not + withstonding, present participle of withstonden to withstand

First Known Use

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Conjunction

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of notwithstanding was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near notwithstanding

Cite this Entry

“Notwithstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notwithstanding. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

notwithstanding

1 of 2 preposition
not·​with·​stand·​ing ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce notwithstanding (audio)
-wit͟h-
: despite entry 2
we went ahead with our plan notwithstanding their objections

notwithstanding

2 of 2 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on notwithstanding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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