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

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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

From betting on Barbie to giving a café barista a shot, Kreiz has repeatedly embraced unconventional people and ideas.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
In 2001, the architecture critic and scholar Robin Middleton bought a former tile factory on East 13th Street and remodeled it to match his unconventional life.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Our research suggests these tombs were designed and constructed not simply to house the dead, but to affect the living through a sensorily immersive environment similar to a modern 3D film experience.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
From Mudmee Thai silk to handwoven indigo cotton sourced from Don Koi, textiles were reworked using modern techniques such as laser cutting — which also showcased the influence of India through the brand’s Thai identity.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The conservative majority did not explain their order, while the three liberal members signed a dissent that said Pike’s claims deserved a closer look.

— Kim Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Digger is lambasted by his half sister, Emma (Sandra Hüller), a superficially liberal-minded Shiv Roy type, with her own eco-friendly initiative.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

The actor is outspoken about his progressive politics and works closely with many different organizations.

— Carole Horst, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, a Chinese immigrant and chair of the Board of Supervisors’ budget committee, is a progressive backed by labor whose campaign received a major boost from Pelosi’s endorsement.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

According to the Navy, this approach can help nontraditional defense companies move technologies from research and development toward procurement.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
President Obama was accused of limiting access to independent photojournalists, and famously favored nontraditional media outlets at the advent of the social media age.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of nontraditional

Adjective

The focus, according to their proposal, will be on contexts of appropriation, chains of ownership, and the significance of the artifacts to contemporary Cameroon.

— Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Men’s accessories encompass bags in tactile raffia, calfskin and denim for a relaxed summer mood with its clean contemporary shapes and artisanal details.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

The president also suggested that Talarico is far too radical for the Lone Star State.

— Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
Zirin states that Zinn was never an official party member, but his association with radical politics might have been enough to limit his job prospects.

— Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of radical

Browse Nearby Words

noncontroversial

nonconventional

noncooperation

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“Nonconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonconventional. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonconventional

adjective

Example Sentences

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