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 Slayton points to pesto and frittatas as her favorite unconventional ways to use arugula, while Klinger loves it on pizza with Parmesan cheese. — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 The show follows Gatiss, who created the format, as unconventional bookshop owner Book, who helps police solve crimes in the years after World War II. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 The festival’s legendary Burnt Ends section is famous for programming exciting new filmmakers working with low budgets and unconventional stories. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2026 Something that’s maybe unconventional or a bit outside of the box. — David J. Moore, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

Rita Flores, a former member of the protest art collective Pussy Riot, alleged in an interview on Monday that members of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) had recruited her to spy on dissident artists.

— News Desk, Artforum, 26 Aug. 2026
Projects must be led by LGBTQ+ directors and screenwriters, or by professionals whose dissident gender identities and expressions inform their creative perspectives.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of dissident

Adjective

Most people go to campgrounds to escape the plagues of modern technology, so try to keep the decibels to a minimum.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
During the Renaissance, Italians refined fencing into its modern form, and soon fencing schools began popping up all over Europe.

— Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

Currently, informal waste pickers and scrap collectors make up a large portion of Vietnam’s collection system, so the new policy also will factor in that labor so that workers aren’t left behind.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 25 Aug. 2026
Jeffries met privately with Kushner, a powerful but informal adviser to Trump, several weeks ago.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

Strommen has an Instagram feed with tributes to Charlie Kirk, but that didn’t prevent her from working closely with Gorman, who, while technically in a nonpartisan position, is married to Mark Spreitzer, a progressive Democratic state senator.

— Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026
On Thursday, Nixon, a progressive, said criminal charges should be a possibility, despite the grand jury not recommending them.

— Liv Caputo, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

They’re made from a faux leather that, frankly, looks really expensive, and are available in 20 colors, including some more out-there prints.

— Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 17 Aug. 2026
Guitarist Adam Turay and trumpeter Ryan Easter both come from the jazzier side of the tracks, the former playing with Afro-R&B group the Narcotix, the latter with more out-there units like WRENS.

— Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026