NONTRADITIONAL Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

nontraditional

adjective

ˌnän-trə-ˈdish-nəl

Definition of nontraditional

as in unconventional

not bound by traditional ways or beliefs a nontraditional couple who are planning a very unconventional wedding

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 nontraditional Kading said a handful of things are needed for a perfect Oktoberfest, like beer, authentic food, games and polka music – in addition to a mix of nontraditional items. — Blaise Mesa, jsonline.com, 18 Sep. 2026 The nontraditional nature of the ceremony was the newlyweds’ favorite part. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2026 This star went viral for her nontraditional pink wedding gown. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 Arizona's recognition of the bolo legitimized the piece as more than a nontraditional tie. — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nontraditional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nontraditional

Adjective

The food-beauty collaboration pipeline is gaining an unconventional contender.

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
The most unconventional of the trio is the jamón y queso, built with ribbons of jamón serrano.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Perfect Road, a documentary from Danish directors and cousins Adam and Christian Bonke, follows him on an extreme journey through some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, while also providing a meditation on modern life and character study.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Although driver engagement has long been central to the 911 experience, the realities of modern automotive development are making manual transmissions a rare commodity.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

Because the right is viewed as divisive by liberal corporations, and the left is viewed as empathetic common sense.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
This process is evident in Egypt and Turkey, where declining mosque attendance has accompanied the growing appeal of liberal values, particularly secularism.

— Mansoor Moaddel, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

The idea that criminals could serve sentences behind bars was a more progressive approach to justice in comparison.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Vang, 41, is one of several younger and progressive challengers seeking to oust longtime incumbents across the country.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

After decades of neglect and subsequent disrepair, it was recently restored into a luxurious one-bedroom retreat that honors its historic roots while embracing contemporary amenities like a king bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a sleek living area.

— Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
This dynamic comes through the mill’s fabric families like D’enovated, which applies contemporary constructions, comfort stretch and a broad spectrum of indigo shades to authentic-looking denim.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of contemporary

Adjective

There are craft vintages from more than two dozen nonconventional fruits, like elderberries, peaches, quince, plums, and strawberries.

— Annie Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2026
But Magen David Adom’s dispatch unit in Ramla, about 12 miles southeast of Tel Aviv, is more than 100 feet underground, safeguarded by thick walls and a sophisticated respirator system capable of providing clean air in case of conventional and nonconventional attacks.

— Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 4 Mar. 2026

Definition of nonconventional

Browse Nearby Words

nontoxic

nontraditional

nontransferable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nontraditional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nontraditional. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of nontraditional

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

fervid

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

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

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes