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 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

Users reported problems with Outlook, while OpenAI said users may experience problems starting or continuing tasks in ChatGPT Work, temporarily disabling two of the modern office's favorite methods of assigning more work.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Drew This gender-neutral name is inspired by former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, considered one of the best signal-callers of the modern era.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

On paper, the January agreement between Damascus and the SDF provides a framework for resolving informal wartime boundaries and closed routes and for harmonizing competing duties and parallel systems of governance.

— Jesse Marks, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026
The minimum monthly salary for a state worker in Cuba is 3,210 pesos, currently less than $5 in the informal dollar exchange market.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 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

Burning Man, a weeklong event focused on radical self-expression, participation, communal effort and civic responsibility, is expected to draw approximately 70,000 people this year.

— Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
As a result, the hair’s length is largely preserved; this isn’t about a radical cut, but about creating texture that wasn’t there before.

— Lucy Binder, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026