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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in modern

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in informal

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 unconventional Her Olympic routine soon became a global talking point, especially for its unconventional movements and distinctive style, including kangaroo hopping and the sprinkler. — Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 The brand, designed by Vincenzo Castaldo, is known for its vibrant colored gemstone jewels, chunky gold designs and bold, unconventional volumes. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Her non-traditional approach to life is also quite evident in her unconventional engagement ring. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 Melanie Moreno’s Substack Launch Of everyone to come out of the villa this season, Melanie Moreno has made arguably the most unconventional play. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

Stötzer nevertheless circulated the text as samizdat, setting her own testimony against the Stasi’s record of her activities—much as the dissident writer Jürgen Fuchs had done in his 1977 text Gedächtnisprotokolle (Memory Protocols).

— Elisa R. Linn, Artforum, 1 Sep. 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

Language in your next lease renewal covering accent walls, hardware swaps or pre-move-out inspections, a signal that landlords are formalizing what has been an informal negotiation.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026
In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) — an informal cooperation between the maritime bodies of 18 shipping nations across the globe — noted that more than 80% of global trade is transported by sea.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

His progressive pass zones, shaded most darkly near the halfway line in the opposition half, underline where Bard felt most comfortable passing from for Nice last term.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Rachel Yve, who posted a 20-minute somatic sleep support session on InsightTimer, blends somatic exercises, breathwork and progressive muscle relaxation, including legs up the wall.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 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

Definition of out-there

Adjective

Petrov pointed to the Yabloko party, the longtime voice of the liberal opposition that campaigns for an end to the war.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
In those rulings, Roberts joined with the court’s three liberal justices and at least one other conservative justice.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

Although his party is known for its pro-Russian and anti-immigration positions and other radical stances, Siegmund has avoided making extreme statements and presents himself as a man of the people.

— Geir Moulson, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
Cho herself prepared by consulting the late master of the form, Frederick Wiseman, who was unabashed about the tension between documentary filmaking’s often radical politics and the privilege required to turn it into a profession.

— Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026