nonconformity

noun

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non·con·for·mi·ty | \ ˌnän-kən-ˈfȯr-mə-tē

Definition of nonconformity

1a : failure or refusal to conform to an established church

b often capitalized : the movement or principles of English Protestant dissent

c often capitalized : the body of English Nonconformists

2 : refusal to conform to an established or conventional creed, rule, or practice

3 : absence of agreement or correspondence

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about nonconformity

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Examples of nonconformity in a Sentence

As a teenager, he was embarrassed by his parents' nonconformity. an artistic movement that doesn't tolerate nonconformity

Recent Examples on the Web Smith’s tenacious spirit is in keeping with the brand’s desire to celebrate creativity, nonconformity, versatility, and openness. — Tyler Cole, Marie Claire, "Willow the Wise," 11 Dec. 2020 In other words, pretending to be gay is a form of adolescent rebellion and nonconformity, a way for these young straight men to broadcast how their generation is different from their parents’, or even millennials before them. — Alex Hawgood, New York Times, "Everyone Is Gay on TikTok," 24 Oct. 2020 More women should hear her message of personal decency and nonconformity. — Kate Bachelder Odell, WSJ, "Amy Coney Barrett Sets an Example for Working Mothers," 28 Sep. 2020 Two professionals and families will discuss gender nonconformity and address questions, concerns and share the latest resources. — cleveland, "Volunteerism freshens room and spirits: Olmsted Dates and Data," 30 Aug. 2020 But then Nielsen learned Ott had been accused of assault, gender nonconformity and even bank robbery before being committed to an insane asylum. — Margot Armbruster, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Biography explores why pioneer Madison doctor was committed to an asylum," 10 Aug. 2020 For a sport built on nonconformity, the pop culture perception of skateboarding has remained stagnant for far too long, right up until Crystal Moselle spotlighted a diverse group of female skaters. — Morgan Baila, refinery29.com, "The History Of Bettys In Pop Culture Gives A Deeper Meaning To HBO’s New Show," 1 May 2020 The approach suits Coleman, who was soft-spoken despite his stubborn nonconformity, and unaffected by the larger-than-life egotism of contemporaries such as Charles Mingus or Miles Davis. — Julian Lucas, Harper's Magazine, "New Books," 30 Mar. 2020 Indeed, in the decades that followed, the turtleneck became a counterculture fringe piece worn to signify a woman's nonconformity to traditional feminized gender roles. — Marlen Komar, TheWeek, "How the turtleneck became a symbol of power," 27 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nonconformity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

19 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Nonconformity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonconformity. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for nonconformity

nonconformity

noun

English Language Learners Definition of nonconformity

: failure or refusal to behave the way most people behave : failure or refusal to conform

See the full definition for nonconformity in the English Language Learners Dictionary

nonconformity

noun

non·con·for·mi·ty | \ ˌnän-kən-ˈfȯr-mə-tē

plural nonconformities

Legal Definition of nonconformity

1 : failure to conform to or comply with something (as contract requirements) a lessee may revoke acceptance of a lot…whose nonconformity substantially impairs its value — Uniform Commercial Code

2 : a particular aspect in which something is nonconforming cannot revoke an acceptance he made with knowledge of a nonconformity— J. J. White and R. S. Summers