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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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 Aaron Epstein/Netflix Well, Apple TV has Stick, and now Netflix has The Hawk, another unconventional, comedic golf story tracing at least some roots back to Happy Gilmore. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 At 6ft 3in (190cm) with unconventional movement mechanics, he is likened to Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike for his deceptive play. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Despite its unconventional appearance, the Z4 is being engineered to fit within today’s airport gates and taxiways. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026 For Meath, the record’s unconventional arrangements are intentional. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

On July 19, Cuban artist and dissident Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara arrived in Miami after a period when his whereabouts remained unknown following his release from Guanajay Prison.

— News Desk, Artforum, 21 July 2026
The dissident Bull Moose Party nominated former President Teddy Roosevelt for president after Republicans declined to do so.

— USA Today, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Definition of dissident

Adjective

But in recent years, the informal community has become more active — and, at times, more divisive.

— William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
What if every leader was expected to create transparent pathways for growth instead of relying on informal networks and chance opportunities?

— Shelley Zalis, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

Board member Renee Paschall cast the lone dissenting vote on the final package.

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

Definition of dissenting

Adjective

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
The classic straight-leg silhouette is relaxed throughout, providing ease and movement to the style, balancing the more out-there design details.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026

Definition of out-there

Adjective

Kelaidis reads their popularity as evidence that historical scholarship has become a kind of liberal jeremiad, offering moral reassurance through historical analogy.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
The voters filed the lawsuit in Dane County Circuit Court, located in Wisconsin's liberal capital city of Madison.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

Simultaneously rendering the past less remote while relishing its radical foreignness, Beard presses readers to grapple with alien ideas, reckon with gaps in their knowledge, and confront complexity.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Reaching mainstream heights was once unthinkable for this radical, uncompromising act, but Paul sensed new horizons in the recording studio.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 20 July 2026