despite 1 of 2

preposition

di-ˈspīt How to pronounce despite (audio)
Definition of despitenext
as in notwithstanding
without being prevented by we went to the party despite the bad weather outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

despite

2 of 2

noun

1
as in contempt
open dislike for someone or something considered unworthy of one's concern or respect pointedly ignored his false friend out of despite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in malice
the desire to cause pain for the satisfaction of doing harm sheer despite was the sole reason for her hurtful comments

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disadvantage
the negative result caused by something that creates difficulty for achieving success baffled as to why working-class voters would vote in despite of their own economic interests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of despite
Preposition
The ad questions why the restrictions are still in place despite the state having many fewer cases of the virus than projections from the Department of Health Services estimated. — Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6 May 2020 Amid a variety of cases of inflated prices across the United States, those focused on the humble egg are among the most sweeping, despite what at first glance appears to be a relatively modest sum. — New York Times, 6 May 2020
Noun
Political observers think Talarico could surge to the fore in the primary despite, or perhaps because of, his outsider status. — Julia Mueller, The Hill, 11 Sep. 2025 Despite the fact that the age of female winners has been steadily increasing in the last despite, the average female Oscar winner is 39 years old, according to a Sky News 2023 report—almost a decade younger than the average male winner at 47. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2023 See All Example Sentences for despite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for despite
  1. notwithstanding
  2. contempt
  3. malice
  4. disadvantage
  5. disdain
  6. spite
  7. expense
  8. hatred
Preposition
  • All-caps notwithstanding, this declaration didn’t receive a great deal of attention.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Yet, notwithstanding the drop in transits, increasing volumes of oil are bypassing the strait altogether or relying on US protection and ship-to-ship transfers to move oil covertly out of the Persian Gulf.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of notwithstanding
Noun
  • Lawmakers on the committee are saying he could be held in contempt.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Being held in contempt opens up a witness to criminal prosecution.
    — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of contempt
Noun
  • Steele said authorities concluded the shooting did not meet the legal standard for a murder charge because the evidence did not support a finding of malice or premeditation.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • As Musashi clears away the malice, the locals come out of hiding, and more of Kyoto becomes available to explore.
    — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of malice
Noun
  • Consider these advantages and disadvantages before choosing an ARM.
    — Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Similarly, although benefits of smaller class sizes are real, at least for economically disadvantaged kids in early grades, uniform caps put high-poverty schools at a competitive disadvantage (because other working conditions are more difficult).
    — David Griffith, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of disadvantage
Noun
  • The public's mounting disdain for the tech sector could prove especially challenging for Anthropic and OpenAI, both valued at nearly $1 trillion and gearing up for potentially historic IPOs.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Ashcroft shares further thoughts about Frank’s disdain for Francis Jr.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • On a day of love and spite and contrasts, his words resonate.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Magneto’s words are said in spite to Charles, the man who will miss him the most — who cradles his helmet for hours after Apocalypse has gone, and who keeps reliving the memory of his death over and over again throughout the season.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of spite
Noun
  • Others argued the city cannot afford massive new spending on police, its greatest expense, and must make the department more efficient.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Family Dollar employee suffered damages, including losses in compensation and benefits, medical expenses, and anxiety and emotional distress, according to the EEOC.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of expense
Noun
  • His hatred of the Islamic State group appears genuine, and American cooperation with Damascus against the terrorist network will benefit the Syrians who suffered most under its rule.
    — Jason M. Blazakis, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Yet Christ Jesus consistently refused to let fear, hatred, or sin define his view of anyone’s identity.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of hatred

Phrases Containing despite

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despising
despite
despiteful
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Cite this Entry

“Despite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/despite. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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