UNCONVENTIONAL Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

unconventional

adjective

ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl

Definition of unconventional

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

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in modern

not bound by traditional ways or beliefs had unconventional opinions on the raising of children

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as in informal

not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules young, creative people who lead unconventional but fulfilling lifestyles

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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 unconventional Wade’s unconventional attempt at roster building is, in order, against SEC rules, against NCAA rules and contingent on courts ordering against the NCAA, which is currently 3-0 in appeals. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 Many commenters criticize the low pay for teachers, suggesting that economic pressures drive educators to seek additional income through unconventional means. — Dan Simmons, Washington Post, 11 Oct. 2026 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 As a result, this unconventional approach has left many people wondering if this was a deliberate decision. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

The head of the United Kingdom’s MI5 spy agency said Iran is trying to strike military sites in Britain, going beyond the traditional targets of dissident Iranians.

— Jared Gans, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2026
The regime transmuted its coercive force into political legitimacy through the spectacular destruction of dissident bodies, restoring reverence for the Eagle.

— Abdelrahman ElGendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissident

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

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay chose Milton Rogovin’s informal, untitled portrait of a beautiful young Buffalo woman from his East Side, 1961-63 collection.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Second, the agency can issue formal or informal warning letters threatening consequences if a violation is not remedied.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

The Fed’s interest rate-setting committee is divided and saw the most dissenting votes in more than three decades last month.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 May 2026
Board member Renee Paschall cast the lone dissenting vote on the final package.

— Elizabeth Sander, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Aug. 2022

Definition of dissenting

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

None of it feels remotely tied to the zeitgeist, instead showing an artist galvanized by their own out-there proclivities and exhilarated by the limitations of whatever ramshackle gear might be lying around a home studio.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
For music this uncompromising and out-there, the process is just as, if not more, important as the result.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of out-there

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