notwithstanding
8 synonyms for notwithstanding, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Prep — In spite of; despite.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. prep
In spite of; despite.
“Notwithstanding personal preferences, the school district's rules on the topic govern our decision.”
2. adv
Nevertheless; all the same.
“He, notwithstanding, persisted in his inquiries.”
How to use notwithstanding
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Fairly formal or legal in tone — "despite" is more natural in everyday speech.
Etymology
From Middle English notwithstandinge, a fusion of not + withstanding, literally "not standing against it."
Full origin of notwithstanding →