nontraditional

adjective

ˌnän-trə-ˈdish-nəl How to pronounce nontraditional (audio)
Definition of nontraditionalnext
as in unconventional
not bound by traditional ways or beliefs a nontraditional couple who are planning a very unconventional wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 To remain tuition-free, Miss Major Middle is launching as a microschool, a nontraditional educational model gaining traction nationwide. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 BabyCenter's annual report on declining names found that nontraditional spellings — such as Charleigh, Alivia, Maddison and Emmitt —have seen a sharp fall in popularity. — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Many sectors outside of those that necessitate in-person attendance have seen greater prevalence of nontraditional modes of work; however, most notably finance, healthcare administration, tech, and, to a lesser degree, education. — Lyssanoel Frater, jsonline.com, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for nontraditional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nontraditional
  1. unconventional
  2. modern
  3. liberal
  4. progressive
  5. contemporary
  6. nonconventional
  7. radical
Adjective
  • Despite the unconventional nature, both Ray J and Brown likely walked away with significant earnings from the Zeus Promotions event.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • After using unconventional tactics, such as water-dropping helicopters, LAFD crews knocked down the fire and returned the property to Lineage for cleanup.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • There’s a keen juxtaposition of the old and the modern throughout this part of Edinburgh, where buildings made of ancient volcanic sandstone accommodate hip boutiques like record store Underground Solu'shn and coffee shops like The Milkman.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Okuyama emphasizes a focus on lightweight construction and a direct human connection, using traditional craftsmanship alongside modern tech.
    — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of modern
Adjective
  • Tottenham Hotspur starting the transfer window as the Premier League’s most liberal and audacious spenders feels like a long time ago.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Just this week, Russia’s supreme court blocked Yabloko, the only remaining liberal, anti-war party on the ballot for parliamentary elections, from running.
    — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of liberal
Adjective
  • His distribution was decent, too, completing eight progressive passes per game, placing him 11th among that same group.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Nina Smith, a former Buttigieg adviser who now works closely with progressive causes, disagreed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of progressive
Adjective
  • The logo pairs yellow, drawn from colors associated with celebration in Tamil Nadu including turmeric and marigold, with electric blue for a contemporary, premium look.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Fellini is considered one of Rimini’s most famous citizens who is memorialized in the city’s unique contemporary museum.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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
Adjective
  • The Khmer Rouge group that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 was accused of genocide for causing the deaths of so many countrymen from executions, starvation and lack of medical care due to its radical policies.
    — Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Legalization makes that imagery easy to flatten, but Frankie lighting a joint in that guy’s driveway still feels like a radical act.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of radical

Browse Nearby Words

nontoxic
nontraditional
nontransferable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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