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
The cost of his films versus their results is strong: With both figures adjusted, his worldwide gross total is about $7.8 billion against budgets of $4.1 billion — a 90 percent return, marketing budgets notwithstanding. Tom Brueggemann, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2024 But even the strategic partnership between Beijing and Moscow has its limits, notwithstanding what Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Putin may assert otherwise. Daniel Depetris, Twin Cities, 3 Nov. 2024
Adverb
Earlier this year, Mongolia all but rolled out the red carpet for a visit from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the ICC’s warrant for his arrest notwithstanding. Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024 Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are slumping, Crosby’s goal notwithstanding. Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 2024.

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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