NONCONVENTIONAL Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

nonconventional

adjective

ˌnän-kən-ˈvench-nəl

Definition of nonconventional

as in unconventional

not bound by traditional ways or beliefs his nonconventional cures were the subject of some controversy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of nonconventional Green Berets are training alongside Mexico’s elite marine infantry units in conventional and nonconventional combat techniques. — Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025 After building two lucrative businesses, the serial entrepreneur and attorney set her sights on ensuring her family was also a success in a nonconventional way. — Jasmine Browley, Essence, 6 Oct. 2024 The house was founded in 1966 by Spanish fashion maverick Paco Rabanne, whose futuristic vision and use of nonconventional materials became a reference in Space Age chic. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 Oil producers are working harder than ever to replace their reserves and, increasingly, turning to nonconventional petroleum sources such as Canada’s tarry bitumen and ultra-deepwater offshore wells. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Aug. 2012 See All Example Sentences for nonconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonconventional

Adjective

The result is one of the most unconventional short courses in the game.

— Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Once considered unprofessional or unconventional in some settings, tattoos have become far more accepted across generations.

— Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Monastiq is an all-day restaurant with a modern take on traditional Czech cuisine, complete with special menus for kids as well as a seasonal selection of dishes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Though guests will love the home’s open-concept layout, gourmet kitchen, and modern touches, the great outdoors are the main draw.

— Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

Sarah Miller, a software engineer from the liberal stronghold of Madison, has heard all of the chatter about a civil war in the Democratic Party between progressives and moderates.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
As the conservative foil to liberal do-gooder Sandy, his wife Kirsten Cohen (played by Kelly Rowan) was a better representation of the upper-crust Newport Beach population in many ways.

— Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

Ferdon detailed how the crypto currency exchange became one of the biggest brands in the emerging world of nontraditional finance and banking options.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 3 July 2026
Policies often fail to address tokenized assets and nontraditional trading activity, while surveillance systems still rely primarily on traditional broker and exchange data, leaving much of the decentralized and on-chain environment unmonitored.

— Kelvin Dickenson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of nontraditional

Adjective

The design wows with airy lounges, plush seating nooks, chrome finishes, curved contemporary furnishings and floor-to-ceiling glass with jaw-dropping vistas at every turn.

— Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Stephanie Gavan is a freelance writer and editor from Liverpool with a background in contemporary art and a deep affection for Italy, having spent years living among the canals of Venice.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

For Schoenbrun, though, Kris’s professional setback is an opportunity for her artistic and personal renewal, in the form of radical independence.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 31 July 2026
But recent years have seen a radical shift, as Indian designers are making their presence felt on the global stage.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026

Definition of radical

Browse Nearby Words

noncontroversial

nonconventional

noncooperation

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nonconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonconventional. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of nonconventional

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

anecdote

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes