Okuzeka
Law vocabulary · Legal Writing & Drafting

Notwithstanding

Meaning in law, with examples

/ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/adverbAdvanced term

In law, notwithstanding means: A formal word meaning 'despite' or 'regardless of', used in legal texts to show that one rule applies even if another rule seems to say something different.

In Turkish: -e bakılmaksızın, -e rağmen, -e karşın

How it is used

Usually works like a preposition at the start of a sentence: 'Notwithstanding clause 5, the Buyer may…'. 'Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement' gives a clause priority over all the others. It can also follow its noun: 'clause 5 notwithstanding'.

Example sentences

  1. Notwithstanding clause 8, either party may terminate this Agreement if the other becomes insolvent.

  2. Notwithstanding the judge's comments, the appeal court reached a different conclusion.

Common collocations

  • notwithstanding clause
  • notwithstanding anything to the contrary
  • notwithstanding the foregoing
  • provisionA part of a law or a legal document that states a particular rule, condition or requirement.
  • clauseA numbered section of a contract or other legal document that deals with one particular point, such as payment, termination or confidentiality.
  • pursuant toA formal expression meaning 'according to' or 'as required by' a law, contract or other document.
  • hereinafterA formal word in legal documents meaning 'from this point on in this document', used mainly to introduce a short name for a party or thing.

More terms: Legal Writing & Drafting

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level:

This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.