How to Use Nevertheless vs. Nonetheless (Word Choice)

First published on April 13, 2024 by Dalia Y.|Last revised on October 28, 2025

Nevertheless and nonetheless are similar words and synonyms that can be used in similar contexts. Nevertheless means 'in spite of,' while nonetheless means 'in contrast to.'

Writing Tips

How to Use Nevertheless vs. Nonetheless (Word Choice)

Nevertheless vs. nonetheless: what's the difference?

Though they are similar words and synonyms that can be used in similar contexts, nevertheless and nonetheless have subtle differences worth observing.

The key distinction between these two words lies in their meaning:

Nevertheless (adverb) — Means 'in spite of' what was mentioned, and is similar to 'however' or 'even still.'
Nonetheless (adverb) — Means 'in contrast to' something that happened or was said. It's similar in meaning to 'conversely.'

Definitions and usage

Nevertheless (adverb)

Means 'in spite of' what was mentioned, and is similar to 'however' or 'even still.'

• There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless, it is important that we try.

• Our defeat was expected, but it is disappointing nevertheless.

• The old system had flaws; nevertheless, it was preferable to the new one.

• The path was steep and dangerous; nevertheless, they reached the summit by noon.

Nonetheless (adverb)

Means 'in contrast to' something that happened or was said. It's similar in meaning to 'conversely.'

• The book is too long, but informative nonetheless.

• The problems are not serious. Nonetheless, we shall need to tackle them soon.

• We were outnumbered; nonetheless, we managed to win the game.

• There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nonetheless, it is important that we try.

Pro tip! Both words are compound adverbs that express contrast and are often used interchangeably in modern usage. To remember the subtle difference, associate nevertheless with "never the less" (in spite of that) and think of nonetheless as emphasizing contrast or difference.

Word forms

Nevertheless:

• nevertheless — adverb (no other word forms)

Nonetheless:

• nonetheless — adverb (no other word forms)

Synonyms & nearby words

Synonyms for nevertheless

still though yet notwithstanding however even so be that as it may

Synonyms for nonetheless

still though yet notwithstanding however withal

Word origins

Nevertheless: Early 14c., neuer þe lesse; as one word from mid-14c., neuerþeles. The sense of never here is "not at all; none the," as in unmerged expressions such as never the wiser, never the worse.

Nonetheless: Formed from none + the + less, following the same pattern as nevertheless. Both words combine three separate words that together mean something different than their individual parts.

—Online Etymology Dictionary

Both words are compound adverbs, consisting of an adverb + another word (or sometimes two). "Nevertheless" and "nonetheless" combine three words: never + the + less, and none + the + less. As separate words, they mean something entirely different than what the word means as a whole. Both are also conjunctive adverbs that connect independent clauses when paired with a semicolon and a coordinating conjunction.

Practice quiz: Nevertheless vs. Nonetheless

Question 1 of 5

It was raining; ______, they decided to continue their hike.

however
nonetheless
nevertheless

He was quite tired; ______, he finished the project before the deadline.

nonetheless
regardless
nevertheless

The odds were against them; ______, they managed to win the game.

still
nonetheless
nevertheless

She was not qualified for the job; ______, she applied anyway.

nonetheless
though
nevertheless

The task was difficult; ______, they completed it on time.

nevertheless
meanwhile
nonetheless

FAQs

Are 'nevertheless' and 'nonetheless' interchangeable? +

They are similar synonyms often used interchangeably in modern usage. Both express a concession, meaning 'in spite of that' or 'even so' in many contexts. However, there is a subtle difference: nevertheless means 'in spite of' (similar to 'however'), while nonetheless means 'in contrast to' (similar to 'conversely').

What's the difference between nevertheless and nonetheless? +

The post points out a subtle difference. Nevertheless means 'in spite of' what was mentioned, similar to 'however' or 'even still.' Nonetheless means 'in contrast to' something previously stated, similar to 'conversely.'

What part of speech are nevertheless and nonetheless? +

The post identifies both as compound adverbs, formed from multiple words like never + the + less, and none + the + less. They are also called conjunctive adverbs, connecting independent clauses with a semicolon.

What do nevertheless and nonetheless mean in a sentence? +

In practical usage shown in the examples, both words primarily express concession, meaning 'in spite of that' or 'even so.' For instance, "There is little chance… Nevertheless, it is important" or "The book is too long, but informative nonetheless."

What's a common mistake with nevertheless and nonetheless? +

A common mistake highlighted in the post is incorrect spelling, specifically omitting the final 's.' Examples show 'nevertheles' and 'nonetheles' are incorrect forms. Both words must end with 'ss' to be correct.