ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
1
as in dissident
deviating from commonly accepted beliefs or practices
the Shakers acquired their name because of their unconventional practice of dancing with shaking movements during worship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in modern
not bound by traditional ways or beliefs
had unconventional opinions on the raising of children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in informal
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules
young, creative people who lead unconventional but fulfilling lifestyles
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unconventional
Younger consumers today are more willing to take risks and explore flexible paths to homeownership— whether that means buying a fixer-upper, embracing unconventional financing, or accepting higher mortgage rates for the sake of getting in the market.
—
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
But there is a place for a streamer like that to do unconventional, high-quality content.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Even more unconventional is the way these portals are arrayed and allotted.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
The early detection of viral RNA in wild bird droppings, sometimes preceding official poultry outbreaks, suggests that unconventional surveillance in these biologically rich but infrastructurally sparse areas could play a larger role in pandemic risk mitigation.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
But there is a place for a streamer like that to do unconventional, high-quality content.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Even more unconventional is the way these portals are arrayed and allotted.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
The early detection of viral RNA in wild bird droppings, sometimes preceding official poultry outbreaks, suggests that unconventional surveillance in these biologically rich but infrastructurally sparse areas could play a larger role in pandemic risk mitigation.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
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Other contenders abroad include the dissident group Mujahedeen e-Khalq, more commonly known as the MEK, which has gained high-profile supporters including the former New York mayor and Trump ally Rudy Giuliani.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
25 June 2025
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Tehran also accuses Iranian expatriates and dissident groups sympathetic to Israel of supporting logistics, communication, and funding.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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The sandals had a sleek, modern and striking appearance due to their vibrant color and minimalist design.—
Karla Rodriguez,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
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While Scandinavian style has been at the vanguard of modern living for over a century, Copenhagen’s 3 Days of Design festival has firmly cemented the Danish city as a design capital.—
Stephanie Sporn,
Vogue,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Within the outcome document, the drafters champion several strategies to expand domestic tax bases, such as integrating the informal sector into the formal economy and identifying undeclared income and wealth.—
Nana Ama Sarfo,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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Whether for a casual outing, an afternoon of shopping, or even an informal dinner, this combination has the power to transform a simple look into a fashion statement.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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In the dissenting view, the star collapses to the edge of the event horizon and then hovers there, or rebounds and explodes.—
Corey S. Powell,
Discover Magazine,
26 Feb. 2015
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The document runs to more than a hundred and fifty pages, and for each question there are affirmative and dissenting studies, as well as some that indicate mixed results.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
3 June 2022
Adjective
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Mamdani, who espouses more progressive socialist-leaning views, wants to make New York City more affordable for all, paid for through more taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Despite representing a team that finished 11th in the most recent Liga F season, Jacinto finished in the top 10 for progressive passes (third, with 238), key passes (joint eighth, with 49), passes into the final third (fifth, with 221), and passes into the penalty area (seventh, with 43).—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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For now, there’s nothing quite so out-there, although deer blood is the star ingredient in the final dessert, a chocolate-ish (but cocoa-free) fondant served with hazelnut praline and malt ice cream.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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An out-there premise, for sure, but one that has so far worked out better than anyone had a right to expect.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Not surprisingly, the court’s conservative supermajority upheld the Tennessee law by a 6-3 vote, with the trio of more liberal justices dissenting.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
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This is in stark contrast to more liberal states such as Illinois, which have been strengthening LGBTQ rights and protections in the face of a national movement to rescind many of them.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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True love for this country has become rarer today, and in fact, radical hatred has become more common.—
Linda McMahon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
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Student activists and radical thinkers were desperate to reform and strengthen China.—
Emily Feng,
NPR,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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