1 notwithstanding | Definition of notwithstanding

notwithstanding

preposition
not·​with·​stand·​ing | \ ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce notwithstanding (audio) , -wit͟h-\

Definition of notwithstanding

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: despite notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success often used after its object the motion passed, our objection notwithstanding

notwithstanding

adverb
not·​with·​stand·​ing | \ ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce notwithstanding (audio) , -wit͟h-\

Definition of notwithstanding (Entry 2 of 3)

notwithstanding

conjunction
not·​with·​stand·​ing | \ ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ How to pronounce notwithstanding (audio) , -wit͟h-\

Definition of notwithstanding (Entry 3 of 3)

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Synonyms for notwithstanding

Synonyms: Preposition

despite, regardless of, with

Synonyms: Adverb

even so, howbeit, however, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, still and all, though, withal, yet

Synonyms: Conjunction

albeit, although (also altho), as, howbeit, much as, though, when, whereas, while, whilst [chiefly British]

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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
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Recent Examples on the Web: Preposition

People usually abandon their local currency because of hyperinflation or capital controls and, Venezuela notwithstanding, both are nowadays rare. Greg Ip, WSJ, "Facebook’s Libra Could Give Dollar, Banks Some Welcome Competition," 26 June 2019 The Angels’ bullpen has been a strength this season, notwithstanding former closer Cody Allen’s brief but turbulent stint. Maria Torres, latimes.com, "Padres closer Kirby Yates is an All-Star the Angels let get away," 8 July 2019 Despite solid achievements, and notwithstanding Crevecouer’s hymn of praise, the Confederacy’s problems both at home and abroad were real enough. Thomas Wendel, National Review, "The Beginning of a Nation," 4 July 2019 Ease of air travel, tax climate and water notwithstanding, Broward doesn’t at first blush seem like the most hospitable place for someone so closely associated with Trump. Anthony Man, sun-sentinel.com, "Fish out of water? Donald Trump’s campaign manager makes his home in the most Democratic part of Florida.," 26 July 2019 That effort, now approaching its fourth month and mired in court, has seen little movement, notwithstanding that two smaller agencies, Verve and Kaplan Stahler, have signed on to the WGA’s terms. Jonathan Handel, The Hollywood Reporter, "WGA West Unveils Officer and Board Candidates," 23 July 2019 Darkness of crystals notwithstanding, Mark Hamill brought light to the Comic-Con stage during Netflix’s Hall H panel for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, the streamer’s buzzy prequel series to Jim Henson and Frank Oz’s 1982 fantasy cult classic. Marc Snetiker, EW.com, "Mark Hamill steals the show at," 20 July 2019 Reporter ban notwithstanding, journalists and other public relations professionals described Grisham as good-natured and responsive,’’ the Phoenix New Times reported Tuesday, after the White House’s announcement was made public. Antonia Noori Farzan, BostonGlobe.com, "As GOP spokeswoman in Ariz., Grisham yanked reporters’ access after critical coverage," 26 June 2019 Kidman's divine performance notwithstanding, this reviewer was ready for Satine to croak by the 15-minute mark of Luhrmann's exhausting film, which throws you into a melee of cacophonous medleys and flashy quick cuts that never let up. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, "Review: Lady Gaga, Adele bring Broadway's 'Moulin Rouge!' musical to soaring new heights," 10 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Their lengths notwithstanding, Zimcosky’s flair for creating and telling a story has flourished. cleveland.com, "Shaker Heights’ Zimcosky continues growth as person, author," 8 Sep. 2019 If so, that wouldn’t make his gentle skill at keeping the audience with him, phones notwithstanding, any less extraordinary. New York Times, "The Cell, the Spell and the Mystery of ‘Sea Wall/A Life’," 27 Aug. 2019 The views of the great naturalist E.O. Wilson notwithstanding, it’s microbes, not insects, that run the world. Quanta Magazine, "Soil’s Microbial Market Shows the Ruthless Side of Forests," 27 Aug. 2019 Zaidi doesn’t come across as a bossman who’ll go outside the organization for elite free agents during his rebuild, the Giants’ pursuit of Bryce Harper notwithstanding. John Shea, SFChronicle.com, "Giants should use Mark Melancon money toward re-signing Madison Bumgarner," 3 Aug. 2019 The pitch to Tatis notwithstanding, the slider was Anderson’s best pitch. Commanding his fastball was another issue, causing his pitch count to rise in a hurry, to 92. John Shea, SFChronicle.com, "Giants fall to Padres; Madison Bumgarner to start series finale Sunday," 28 July 2019 The claims of rapid growth routinely trotted out by government spokespersons notwithstanding, there are underlying problems to be sorted out to ensure that investment revives. Jayati Ghosh, Quartz India, "Reviving India’s household savings and investments should be the budget’s top concern," 5 July 2019 That half of the list included restaurants from 25 countries, which demonstrates one good reason to expand the list, advertiser anniversaries notwithstanding. Kate Krader, Time, "This Spot in France Was Named the Best Restaurant in the World for 2019," 25 June 2019 There was an uproar in Seattle after police in the city stopped charging people for possession of small amount drugs — heroin, meth, and crack, notwithstanding. Fox News, "Police departments rethink approach to battling addiction crisis," 21 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'notwithstanding.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of notwithstanding

Preposition

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Conjunction

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for notwithstanding

Preposition, Adverb, and Conjunction

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

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More Definitions for notwithstanding

notwithstanding

preposition