ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
1
as in dissident
deviating from commonly accepted beliefs or practices
the Shakers acquired their name because of their unconventional practice of dancing with shaking movements during worship
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in modern
not bound by traditional ways or beliefs
had unconventional opinions on the raising of children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in informal
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules
young, creative people who lead unconventional but fulfilling lifestyles
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of unconventional
The images provide the first real look at the unconventional interior, which is the product of some of the finest minds in the business.
—
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 May 2026
Privileged upbringing and a ‘desire to compete’ Steyer’s unconventional path to politics began with a privileged upbringing on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Oliver suffers from face blindness, which leads him to take an unconventional approach to connecting with his patients.
—Sara Donnellan, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
His unconventional front yard of native plants is both easy to care for and wildlife-friendly.
—Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 6 May 2026
Privileged upbringing and a ‘desire to compete’ Steyer’s unconventional path to politics began with a privileged upbringing on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
—Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Oliver suffers from face blindness, which leads him to take an unconventional approach to connecting with his patients.
—Sara Donnellan, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
His unconventional front yard of native plants is both easy to care for and wildlife-friendly.
—Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
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During the pavilion’s preview, a brief but loud protest led by Russian dissident disruptors Pussy Riot and the Ukrainian feminist group FEMEN might have been the most exciting thing to happen at the underwhelming and carelessly presented group show of live performance and video art.—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
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The Biennale has been the stage for numerous protests already since its May 5 preview opening, with dissident Russian artist collective Pussy Riot among the demonstrators.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
8 May 2026
Adjective
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Of course, modern touches like bedside power ports and espresso machines are also in place.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
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Vimala Pons, in strawberry-blonde bangs, is a striking actor who plays Irène as the new modern woman.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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And Democratic operatives have begun informal discussions about recruiting a new chair, even as most believe that Martin's job isn't in serious jeopardy ahead of the midterm elections.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
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Lepoutre said Chapiron’s project is inspired by real cases in France involving young women who set themselves up as informal practitioners, offering discounted Botox and injections with dubious products.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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Board member Renee Paschall cast the lone dissenting vote on the final package.—
Elizabeth Sander,
San Antonio Express-News,
19 Aug. 2022
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The document runs to more than a hundred and fifty pages, and for each question there are affirmative and dissenting studies, as well as some that indicate mixed results.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
3 June 2022
Adjective
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European dance music rhythms collide with contemporary hip-hop deliveries and progressive metal bass undertones as if they were always meant to coalesce.—
Miki Hellerbach,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
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While progressive Democrats are pushing to tax billionaires and close corporate loopholes, Republicans are warning that squeezing job creators will severely damage Illinois’ economy.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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As a performer, these characters are out-there.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
-
That’s why the wake is such an out-there sequence.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Lean into that savory flavor with a liberal pour of olive brine.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 May 2026
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The liberal mind is fascinating.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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The Greens have embraced a radical mix of leftist politics and pro-Palestinian activism — sprinkled with just a dash of their titular environmentalism.—
Timothy Nerozzi,
The Washington Examiner,
7 May 2026
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Policy makers prioritize radical agendas over affordability.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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