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 The Libra Sun trines unconventional Uranus in your partnership zone, opening the door to unusual collaborations and fresh connections. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026 The rock band, known for its unconventional costumes and intentionally offensive lyrics, was nominated for two Grammys, one in 1993 for Best Long Form Music Video and another in 1996 for Best Metal Performance. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026 Every executive understands the career risk of making an unconventional decision. — George Achilleos, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 The film, a touching adaptation of an 1852 Turgenev short story of the same name, features an unconventional cast directed by a seasoned documentarian. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

Under the Soviet Union, dissident artists, poets and creators distributed their work within small, private networks, according to Ingold.

— Miranda Huang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Andrei Pivovarov, a dissident and former head of the Open Russia group, addressed a protest gathered outside the building.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of dissident

Adjective

Our research suggests these tombs were designed and constructed not simply to house the dead, but to affect the living through a sensorily immersive environment similar to a modern 3D film experience.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
From Mudmee Thai silk to handwoven indigo cotton sourced from Don Koi, textiles were reworked using modern techniques such as laser cutting — which also showcased the influence of India through the brand’s Thai identity.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

Gun homicides mostly affect South Africa’s poorest communities in townships and informal settlements made up of shacks and small homes on the edges of big cities.

— Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Gun homicides mostly affect South Africa's poorest communities in townships and informal settlements made up of shacks and small homes on the edges of many big cities.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 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 actor is outspoken about his progressive politics and works closely with many different organizations.

— Carole Horst, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026
San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, a Chinese immigrant and chair of the Board of Supervisors’ budget committee, is a progressive backed by labor whose campaign received a major boost from Pelosi’s endorsement.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

The conservative majority did not explain their order, while the three liberal members signed a dissent that said Pike’s claims deserved a closer look.

— Kim Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Digger is lambasted by his half sister, Emma (Sandra Hüller), a superficially liberal-minded Shiv Roy type, with her own eco-friendly initiative.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

The president also suggested that Talarico is far too radical for the Lone Star State.

— Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
Zirin states that Zinn was never an official party member, but his association with radical politics might have been enough to limit his job prospects.

— Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of radical

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“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unconventional

adjective

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