notwithstanding
gb/nˌɑtwɪθstˈændɪŋ/ us/nˌɑtwɪθstˈændɪŋ/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
preposition
formal
C1
relation
1
despite; in spite of
It means “despite” or “in spite of”.
Usage pattern:
notwithstanding [noun/gerund] / [noun] notwithstanding
Common mistake:
Often confused with “therefore”; it actually introduces a contrast (like “despite”), not a result.
Synonyms
despite (More common and neutral than “notwithstanding”.)
|
in spite of (Slightly longer and often less formal.)
|
regardless of (Emphasizes ignoring a factor rather than overcoming it.)
Antonyms
because of (Gives a reason rather than a contrast.)
|
due to (More formal way to express cause, not contrast.)
Collocations
notwithstanding the fact
|notwithstanding the challenges
|notwithstanding the risk
|notwithstanding his efforts
|notwithstanding their objections
|notwithstanding the delay
|notwithstanding the cost
|the difficulties notwithstanding
|notwithstanding strong evidence
|notwithstanding public criticism
Themes
writing
|argumentation
|law
Examples
- Notwithstanding the rain, the match went ahead.
- He kept smiling, the tension notwithstanding.
- Notwithstanding her lack of experience, she did an excellent job.
Learner examples
- Notwithstanding the traffic, we arrived on time.
- Notwithstanding his cold, he went to work.
conjunction
formal
C1
relation
2
although; despite the fact that
It means “although” and connects two clauses.
Usage pattern:
notwithstanding (that) [clause]
Common mistake:
Avoid using it like “however” with a comma; it usually introduces a full clause directly (often with “that”).
Synonyms
although (Most common clause linker for contrast.)
|
even though (Slightly more emphatic and more conversational.)
Antonyms
because (Introduces a reason rather than a contrast.)
|
since (Often gives a cause/explanation, not a concession.)
Collocations
notwithstanding that
|notwithstanding what
|notwithstanding how
|notwithstanding the fact that
|notwithstanding that it was late
|notwithstanding that he apologized
|notwithstanding that she agreed
Themes
writing
|argumentation
|law
Examples
- Notwithstanding that the budget was cut, the project stayed on track.
- Notwithstanding what the report suggests, demand is rising.
- Notwithstanding that she felt nervous, she spoke clearly.
Learner examples
- Notwithstanding that it was cold, we went out.
adverb
formal
C1
relation
3
nevertheless; even so
It means “nevertheless” or “even so”.
Usage pattern:
[statement]. Notwithstanding, [statement].
Common mistake:
Less common than “however” or “nevertheless” in this adverb use; it can sound stiff in everyday conversation.
Synonyms
nevertheless (More common in modern writing.)
|
however (Very common and more flexible in placement.)
|
still (More informal and conversational.)
Antonyms
therefore (Signals a result rather than a contrast.)
|
consequently (Formal result marker, opposite of concessive contrast.)
Collocations
notwithstanding,
|notwithstanding this
|notwithstanding that
|notwithstanding it all
Themes
writing
|argumentation
Examples
- The plan is risky; notwithstanding, it may be our best option.
- It’s an expensive solution. Notwithstanding, it would save time.
- He had missed several deadlines; notwithstanding, the team supported him.
Learner examples
- It was difficult. Notwithstanding, we finished.
preposition
legal
C2
rule
4
legal: overrides conflicting rules
In contracts, it means “this rule applies even if something else says different”.
Usage pattern:
Notwithstanding [other provision/law], [this clause applies].
Common mistake:
Do not treat it as a simple synonym of “however” in legal drafting; it is often meant to create an explicit override.
Synonyms
despite (Similar meaning, but usually less explicit as an override marker in legal drafting.)
Antonyms
subject to (Signals that a rule is limited by or depends on another rule.)
Collocations
notwithstanding any other provision
|notwithstanding the foregoing
|notwithstanding the above
|notwithstanding anything to the contrary
|notwithstanding applicable law
|notwithstanding section
|notwithstanding clause
|notwithstanding the provisions of
Themes
legal
|business
|contracts
Examples
- Notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement, either party may terminate for fraud.
- Notwithstanding the limitations in Section 4, the customer may request a refund within 30 days.
- Notwithstanding applicable law, the parties agree to arbitrate all disputes.
Grammar
Dictionary form
notwithstanding
IPA
GB/nˌɑtwɪθstˈændɪŋ/
US/nˌɑtwɪθstˈændɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
not - with - stand - ing (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (stand)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: notwithstanding
- Plural: notwithstandings
Word family
Forms
notwithstandings
noun
Related words
withstand
verb B2
Expressions
[noun phrase] notwithstanding
1/nˈaʊn fɹˈeɪz nˌɑtwɪθstˈændɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
despite that thing (after noun)
It means “despite”, placed after the noun.
Examples
- His repeated apologies notwithstanding, she refused to speak to him.
- The delays notwithstanding, the product launched on schedule.
- The criticism notwithstanding, the article was widely shared.
notwithstanding anything to the contrary
1/nˌɑtwɪθstˈændɪŋ ˈɛniθˌɪŋ tə ðə kˈɑntɹɛɹi/
fixed phrase
legal
legal: even if others conflict
In legal writing: “even if something else says the opposite”.
Examples
- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the company may audit the records at any time.
- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, late fees will not be charged during the trial period.
notwithstanding the above
1/nˌɑtwɪθstˈændɪŋ ðə əbˈʌv/
fixed phrase
business
despite the points above
It means “even with what I said above”.
Examples
- Notwithstanding the above, we recommend proceeding with the pilot.
- Notwithstanding the above, please submit the form by Friday.
notwithstanding the foregoing
1/nˌɑtwɪθstˈændɪŋ ðə fɔɹɡˈoʊɪŋ/
fixed phrase
legal
legal: despite what was just said
It means “despite what was just written above”.
Examples
- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the supplier may suspend service for nonpayment.
- Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this section limits liability for willful misconduct.