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
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 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
Noun
And then - despite barely stepping over the halfway line - the hosts hit the crossbar and had a shout for a penalty. — SI.com, 25 Aug. 2019 Westbrook recently scored a triple-double despite shooting 7-for-27 from the floor. — Bruce Jenkins, SFChronicle.com, 7 Dec. 2019 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
  • Of course, this is no tragedy — there comes a time to put away childish things, 40-something video-gamers notwithstanding — but the movie comes close to regarding it as such.
    — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026
  • But Curls Ultra aren’t solely interested in resurrecting the mysticism of the past or indulging in the parties of the present, the occasional fluttering flute solo or boisterous sax line notwithstanding.
    — Reed Jackson, SPIN, 26 June 2026
Definition of notwithstanding
Noun
  • Criminal charges from contempt of Congress referrals are rare.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • One of the joys of Air, down to the breathy purity of its title, is its contempt for design—an easy target, but one for which Kracht has sharpened his blade.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of contempt
Noun
  • But on Wednesday, the jury in the latest trial found that MGA had not acted with malice, meaning no punitive damages would be awarded.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 2 July 2026
  • The company’s own investigation points less to malice than to a process that never engaged.
    — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of malice
Noun
  • Many of them are single mothers due to structural disadvantages.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026
  • Importantly, the goal isn’t to put junior employees at a disadvantage.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of disadvantage
Noun
  • At this point, the widespread disdain shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 2 July 2026
  • But more than using any specific set of policies as a litmus test, Democratic voters appear drawn to the candidates who most radiate disdain for the status quo.
    — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026
Definition of disdain
Noun
  • In spite of their original values of humanitarianism and neutrality, these organizations have been morally debased from within, using the language of human rights and international justice yet deploying it on behalf of autocracies and against the liberal democracies that created them.
    — Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
  • The ball got away from Witt at short in spite of his best efforts to keep it on the infield.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026
Definition of spite
Noun
  • The results include deducted one-off expenses for employee bonus provisions.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Since Calleja’s near-fatal fall, over $42,000 ($61,000 AUD) has been donated to a fundraiser organized by his football club to help cover medical expenses.
    — Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of expense
Noun
  • The rivalry between the neighboring nations stretches back over 100 years on the pitch without ever being one that has slipped into hatred.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Proof that the babies aren’t born with hatred in their bellies and in their blood.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of hatred

Phrases Containing despite

Browse Nearby Words

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 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on despite

Nglish: Translation of despite for Spanish Speakers

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