Quick answer
Notwithstanding means that something is true even though another fact might seem to prevent it. In plain English, it often means "despite" or "even so."
Word page
Notwithstanding Meaning
Notwithstanding is a formal word for contrast: it means despite, in spite of, or nevertheless. It often appears in contracts, policies, and official writing, where it can sound precise but heavy.
At a glance
Bureaucratic and Academic AbsurditiesPompous and Grandiloquent WordsSpeech, Noise, and Verbal Nonsense
How to say it
Pronunciation tip: keep the main stress on the capitalized syllable in not-with-STAN-ding.
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, notwithstanding points to an exception or contrast. If a rule says one thing notwithstanding another clause, the first thing still applies despite the second.
Tone, context, and nuance
Notwithstanding is formal, legal, and slightly stiff. It is useful when exact contrast matters, but in everyday writing, "despite," "although," or "even so" is usually clearer.
Example sentences
- Simple: Notwithstanding the rain, the event continued.
- Everyday: Despite the delay is simpler than notwithstanding the delay.
- Legal: Notwithstanding any other provision, the payment is due on Friday.
- Nuance: The word can introduce a contrast without sounding emotional.
- Awkward: "Notwithstanding my sandwich, I am hungry." Better: "Even after my sandwich, I am hungry."
Common mistakes
| Common mistake | Better guidance |
|---|---|
| Using it to sound official | Use it only when the contrast or exception really needs that formal weight. |
| Confusing it with notwithstanding that | Notwithstanding can stand before a noun phrase; notwithstanding that introduces a full clause. |
| Using it in casual speech | Most conversations sound clearer with despite, although, or even so. |
| Forgetting the contrast | The word needs two ideas that push against each other. |
Synonyms and similar words
| Similar word | Difference or nuance |
|---|---|
| despite | The clearest everyday substitute in many sentences. |
| in spite of | Slightly fuller than despite but still plain. |
| nevertheless | Works as a sentence connector meaning even so. |
| although | Introduces a contrasting clause. |
| pursuant | Formal too, but it means according to, not despite. |
Opposite words
because of, due to, in accordance with, pursuant to, as a result of
Word family
Related forms include withstand and standing in older compounds, but notwithstanding is usually used as its own fixed formal word.
Word origin
Notwithstanding developed from the idea of something not standing in the way. That history fits its modern meaning: one fact does not prevent another.
Writing tip
Use notwithstanding when a legal or policy exception must be clear. For public-facing copy, choose "despite" unless the formal tone is intentional.
Common questions
- What does notwithstanding mean in simple words? Notwithstanding means despite, in spite of, or nevertheless.
- How do you pronounce notwithstanding? Notwithstanding is pronounced not-with-STAN-ding.
- Is notwithstanding formal? Yes. It is formal and common in legal, policy, and administrative writing.
- What is a simpler word for notwithstanding? Simpler alternatives include despite, although, even so, and nevertheless.
- How do you use notwithstanding in a sentence? Example: "Notwithstanding the delay, the project continued."
- Is notwithstanding the same as pursuant? No. Notwithstanding means despite; pursuant means according to or under.
Want to learn more about Notwithstanding?
You can also look up notwithstanding on these trusted language resources:
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 14, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.