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You know what it looks like… but what is it called?
TAKE THE QUIZunconventional
adjective
un·con·ven·tion·al
ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl,
-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl
unconventionally
adverb
Synonyms
Example Sentences
Her lifestyle is rather unconventional.
the Shakers acquired their name because of their unconventional practice of dancing with shaking movements during worship
Recent Examples on the Web
The punk rock family may be a bit unconventional, but their love for each other is strong.
—
Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2023
The portrait is unconventional for another reason: Moroni’s subject wears an expression of harsh disdain, setting the painting apart from other portraits of women at the time, which favored more modest, restrained gazes.
—Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2023
McGovern’s pursuit of his abiding obsession has been at times unconventional.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Dec. 2022
Their ideas are likely unconventional—the ones that work often set precedents.
—Michael Plummer, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2022
Schrader’s directing methods to be quite unconventional.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Dec. 2022
The second inaugural will be unconventional, with elements spread throughout the performing arts complex.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 20 Dec. 2022
The deal is unconventional by Napa Valley real-estate standards.
—Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, 16 Dec. 2022
Although the approach is unconventional, outside scientists described the sanctuary’s ethical guidelines as admirable and its research questions as interesting.
—Emily Anthes Lauren Petracca, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2022
See More
Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2023
The portrait is unconventional for another reason: Moroni’s subject wears an expression of harsh disdain, setting the painting apart from other portraits of women at the time, which favored more modest, restrained gazes.
—Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2023
McGovern’s pursuit of his abiding obsession has been at times unconventional.
—Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 31 Dec. 2022
Their ideas are likely unconventional—the ones that work often set precedents.
—Michael Plummer, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2022
Schrader’s directing methods to be quite unconventional.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Dec. 2022
The second inaugural will be unconventional, with elements spread throughout the performing arts complex.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 20 Dec. 2022
The deal is unconventional by Napa Valley real-estate standards.
—Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle, 16 Dec. 2022
Although the approach is unconventional, outside scientists described the sanctuary’s ethical guidelines as admirable and its research questions as interesting.
—Emily Anthes Lauren Petracca, New York Times, 22 Nov. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unconventional.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1835, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near unconventional
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconventional. Accessed 28 Jan. 2023.
Kids Definition
unconventional
adjective
un·con·ven·tion·al
ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl
-ən-ᵊl
unconventionally
adverb
-ˈvench-nə-lē
-ən-ᵊl-ē
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