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 In a new study, researchers at the University of Ottawa have proposed this unconventional picture, which challenges some of modern physics’ biggest assumptions. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026 But her decades of experience as an investor give her a somewhat unconventional view of the state of play. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026 Since its unveiling in 2019, the Cybertruck has attracted attention for its unconventional design and become a cultural flashpoint amid growing backlash against Musk. — Alex Backus, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2026 Based in Shizuoka, Field Record is a spinoff of design firm Kyouei Design, whose work has long focused on daily wares crafted from unconventional materials and forms. — New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

Vladimir presses his prisoner to inform on Father Mikulski (Dourif), a dissident Eastern Orthodox priest who has published an anti-Soviet pamphlet.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026
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

Definition of dissident

Adjective

Together, these developments enable engineers to improve performance, capacity, and efficiency across modern electronics.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
In the heritage rooms, the mood is more bright and airy though still quite modern.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The informal meetup was intended as a way to convey the chiefs’ collective wisdom and experience—and to offer, in miniature, a nuts-and-bolts version of the transition of executive power that is a hallmark of American democracy.

— Chris Whipple, Vanity Fair, 10 Nov. 2026
That has made neighborhood businesses increasingly important as informal galleries, giving artists a place to reach customers, sell their work and build recognition.

— J.M. Banks November 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 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 contest was a contentious, generational and intra-party battle between Matsui, who has represented the region since 2005, and Vang, a progressive member of the Sacramento City Council.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2026
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 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

But the mood about data centers and AI has turned negative in both liberal and conservative circles.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026
Where liberal thought had banished the criterion of revenge from all considerations of justice, a politics of purity had brought it back.

— Dominic Erdozain, Time, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

On Thursday, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who led a radical overhaul of the department's Civil Rights Division, also announced her departure.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
The bar’s radical inclusiveness was part of why people cared about it—and part of what its owners were struggling to finance it.

— Tara Knight, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026