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
Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025
Economic challenges notwithstanding, this is indicative of the desire of Americans to safely and responsibly keep and bear arms.
—Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2025
Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
The wheel/tire package off that rig would ably handle winter in Winnipeg or Manitoba.
Ancestry and residual off-roading capability notwithstanding, G 63 is not meant for battling Soviets in the Fulda Gap, or serving with UN blue helmets in Bosnia or southern Lebanon.
—Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
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Preposition
California taxpayers may be justifiably focused on California’s burdensome income taxes and, notwithstanding Prop. 13, California is still a high property tax state.
—Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 21 Apr. 2025
Economic challenges notwithstanding, this is indicative of the desire of Americans to safely and responsibly keep and bear arms.
—Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 2025
Adverb
There’s the inevitable factor of the character being 100 percent secondary to Ray (this is primarily Brian Tyree Henry’s joint, after all, welcome recurring buddy-movie dynamic of Henry and Wagner Moura notwithstanding).
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
The wheel/tire package off that rig would ably handle winter in Winnipeg or Manitoba.
Ancestry and residual off-roading capability notwithstanding, G 63 is not meant for battling Soviets in the Fulda Gap, or serving with UN blue helmets in Bosnia or southern Lebanon.
—Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for notwithstanding
Cite this Entry
“Notwithstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/notwithstanding. Accessed 30 Apr. 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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