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

As with their other current CBS hit Elsbeth — and unlike their more creatively unconventional streaming shows The Good Fight and Evil — Cupertino sands down some of the Kings’ jagged edges, aiming for something cuter.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
He was known for intense performances and roles that often portrayed complex or unconventional characters.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Today, the hotel remains a grand dame of Milan, offering a perfect mix of old-world luxury with modern amenities, all delivered through impeccable hospitality.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
All four getting in is probably impossible; even three Best Picture nominations for a single studio is extremely rare in the modern era.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

There’s an irony in this prominent liberal writer’s lack of interest in actual politics—in any kind of collective solidarity that might extend beyond the county line.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
The sports media rarely treats athletes who espouse liberal or progressive political views as problematic, even when those views are provocative, divisive, or factually incorrect.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

Because the movie shies away from condemnation, it has been labeled by some as a MAGA film for supposedly demonizing progressive Norway and making the conservative Gheorghius the victims.

— Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
This ingredient targets the hormonal driver behind progressive thinning.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

All manner of contemporary art is shown here, with a collection over 200,000 pieces strong, ranging from Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman photographs to paintings from Francis Bacon and Sol LeWitt sculptures.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
Hybridity and borderlessness are everywhere in contemporary pop music.

— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 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

Adjective

Omani officials knew of al-Hammami’s interest in radical Islamism but failed to flag their concerns; flydubai never checked his record with the Omani authorities.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 10 Oct. 2026
Beyond sheer size, the vessel introduced one of the most radical sailing systems the industry had ever seen.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of radical

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 13 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of nontraditional

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

abscond

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

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

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

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes