NONSTANDARD Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

nonstandard

adjective

Definition of nonstandard

as in dialectical

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 nonstandard State and federal officials have cited driver and pedestrian safety as the chief reason for removing nonstandard crosswalks. — Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 25 Feb. 2026 Because industrial distribution involves custom pricing, nonstandard specifications, and complex processing services, every revenue-generating operation typically requires human intervention. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026 Maintaining hydration during nonstandard work hours is crucial for good health and minimizing the adverse effects of circadian rhythm disruption. — Pamela Assid, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2025 WindBorne also plans to use live flight data to allow its weather balloons to autonomously avoid planes, even if planes are flying at a nonstandard altitude, according to the company’s statement. — Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nonstandard

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonstandard

Adjective

The dialectic moves between crashing despair and hovering hope.

— Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Firpi concluded that Saenz should receive dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, an intensive therapy originally developed for self-harming women with borderline personality disorder that is now also used to treat PTSD, eating disorders and substance use.

— Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2026

Definition of dialectical

Adjective

Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sent regulatory priorities to the nation’s regional fishery councils, which environmentalists say reveal a direct attack on fishery management and ocean conservation.

— Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
The regional relief effort is being coordinated by Guyana, Venezuela’s eastern neighbor, with which it has been involved in a decades-old border dispute.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Definition of regional

Adjective

Its name refers to the colloquial term once used for Papaya—paw-paw.

— Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 May 2026
The Solons name refers to an ancient Greek lawmaker, whose name later became a colloquial term for wise legislators, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2026

Definition of colloquial

Adjective

Compiled in 1964 by Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, this four-LP, 83-track box set was intended as an accessible survey of the roots and branches of American vernacular music.

— Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Rote’s vernacular traditions shine through in the lontar-leaf roofs and ikat fabrics incorporated into pillows, beds, and artwork.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026

Definition of vernacular

Adjective

But Reddick shouldn’t yet be counted out because his recent downturn is more due to rotten luck than substandard performance.

— Jess Bryant, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Many structures are built with substandard materials, and safety regulations are frequently ignored to reduce costs.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

Definition of substandard

Adjective

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, more than 272,000 children in Ukraine have benefitted from learning interventions with supplies provided by UNICEF, and over 400,000 children have engaged in formal or nonformal education.

— Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 18 Aug. 2022
But even Cunard has nonformal settings where dressed-down can go, including the buffet, casino and pub.

— Hannah Sampson, Houston Chronicle, 20 Dec. 2019

Definition of nonformal

Adjective

But the series also goes behind the scenes to explore how an informal gathering grew into a big-budget, heavily regulated event.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The alliance grew out of an informal coalition that included organizations tied to Ananas Anam, Bananatex and Regenerate Fashion.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 7 July 2026

Definition of informal

Browse Nearby Words

nonspeculative

nonstandard

nonstarter

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nonstandard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonstandard. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of nonstandard

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on nonstandard

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

xeric

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes