Main Notwithstanding Takeaways:

Notwithstanding is a complex word. If you’re not sure what it means or when to use it, you’re not alone. In this guide, you’ll get a detailed notwithstandingdefinition as well as plenty of synonyms and antonyms. You’ll also see how and when to apply the word so you look (and sound) like a Pro.

Not and Withstanding stumble into a bar and flop dramatically over the counter. The barman says, “Is this some kind of dangling preposition?”

Notwithstanding means despite, nevertheless, however, or although. In modern English, this term is used most commonly as a preposition (“His sprained anklenotwithstanding, Marcus hobbled over the finish line“). You can also use notwithstanding as a conjunction (“Nobody noticed the ancient book,notwithstandingits previous place in the museum display”) and as an adverb (“Bert hates the logo and the audio sequence, but we will press onnotwithstanding“).

To understand and define notwithstanding properly, we need to pull it apart a little.

Many might expect that notwithstanding is made of three words: not, with, and standing.

In fact, it has its origins in twoMiddle English words: not and withstonding (from withstonden, meaning to withstand). A solid preposition in the 14th century, notwithstonding/notwithstanding slipped into common use as an adverb and a conjunction in the 15th century.

Notwithstanding generally means nevertheless, although, despite, or in spite of in legal writing. Its meaning in legal documents doesn’t change — it’s still just another word for nevertheless. “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary,” for example, means that a clause overrides anything that might later contradict it. This and other multisyllabic connectors like inasmuch are common in legal writing like contracts, official reports, judgments, and other legal documents.

Examples of the word notwithstanding in legal documents might include: