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: on account of, because 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

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

And where the earlier shows, notwithstanding soap operatic long arcs, are fundamentally episodic, “Tony & Ziva” is a serial story, stretched over 10 episodes.

From Los Angeles Times

There are also no indications that a future summit that includes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is forthcoming, Putin's "next time in Moscow" quip about their next meeting notwithstanding.

From BBC

Information is developed and doled out across its six episodes, but notwithstanding the twists and turns, it’s a straightforward scenario.

From Los Angeles Times

As my colleagues report, the latest such foray took place Wednesday at a Westlake Home Depot, notwithstanding federal court rulings prohibiting the use of roving patrols to target immigrants.

From Los Angeles Times

The FCA has said it expects "a healthy finance market for new and used cars to continue notwithstanding any redress scheme we propose".

From BBC