Another word for despite
The best other words for despite are notwithstanding, nevertheless, disdain and in spite of.
- Most formal
- notwithstanding, disdain, contemptuousness
- Strongest
- in defiance of, contempt, scorn
- Casual
- even with, still, anyway
- Instead of “despite the fact that”
- although, even though, though
Despite /dɪˈspaɪt/ (preposition, conjunction, noun): Despite means in spite of something or without being prevented by it. In simple words: used to say something happened even though there was a problem. Below are 16 rated synonyms across 3 senses, plus 27 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
16 synonyms shown
In spite of · preposition
without being stopped by
Despite everything · adverb
in spite of that; all the same
Despite opposition · noun
contemptuous disregard; contempt
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- in spite of — closest neutral equivalent; slightly more phrase-like
- regardless of — focuses on ignoring a factor
- despite the fact that — explicit, verbose version of the same relation
The dashed ring marks “despite” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for despite in your sentence
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How to choose
Choose the plain phrase in spite of for everyday writing, and use notwithstanding or nevertheless when you need a more formal, structured tone. Avoid piling up contrast words in one sentence; one clear connector is usually enough.
Antonyms of despite
- because of
- due to
- owing to
- therefore
- consequently
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| in spite of | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| regardless of | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| notwithstanding | 3/5 | academic | academic, business, creative |
| even with | 2/5 | casual | casual, creative |
| despite the fact that | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| in defiance of | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| still | 2/5 | casual | academic, business, creative, casual |
| nevertheless | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| nonetheless | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| anyway | 2/5 | casual | casual, creative |
| all the same | 2/5 | casual | casual, creative |
| even so | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| contempt | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| scorn | 4/5 | formal | academic, creative |
| disdain | 4/5 | academic | academic, creative |
| contemptuousness | 4/5 | academic | academic, creative |
Instead of “very despite”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| despite the fact that | although, even though, though |
| despite everything | still, anyway, all the same |
| despite opposition | against, defying, in defiance of |
More words related to despite
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “despite”.
Questions about synonyms for despite
What is the most formal or academic alternative to despite?
Notwithstanding is the most formal near-equivalent in everyday prose, and nevertheless or nonetheless are also common in formal writing when you mean “despite that.” In legal or highly formal contexts, notwithstanding can sound especially appropriate.
What is a stronger or milder alternative to despite?
In defiance of is stronger because it suggests active resistance, not just contrast. Even with or still are milder and more conversational.
Can despite be used as a conjunction?
In standard English, despite is normally a preposition, as in “despite the rain.” Writers often use the fuller phrase despite the fact that to introduce a clause, but the simple word itself is not usually a conjunction.
What can I say instead of despite?
Common alternatives include although, though, even though, and in spite of. If you want a word that shows contrast in a sentence, however, yet, and still can also work in some contexts.
What is a more everyday way to say despite?
In everyday English, people often say even though or though instead of despite. These are especially natural when you want to connect two full clauses.