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

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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 A bit more unconventional than the other packing hacks on our list, this clever neck pillow can transform your extra clothing into a comfortable mid-flight snooze companion. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026 The accompanying Bangerz tour featured Cyrus at her unconventional peak. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 27 July 2026 Under an unconventional deal brokered by the White House in August, the US is now one of the chipmaker’s biggest backers. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 July 2026 The Secret History by Donna Tartt A group of gifted but isolated students at an elite New England college become captivated by their charismatic classics professor and his unconventional worldview. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 24 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

Enforcing that guideline would preserve the darkness of the night sky and allow astronomers to continue cutting-edge science using modern telescopes.

— Chris Young July 28, Refractor, 28 July 2026
The menu is modern Dominican with international detours; think mofongo with crispy pork belly, fresh ceviches, seafood risotto, and desserts like flan and tres leches cake.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Definition of modern

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

The argument’s been just as lopsided in Michigan, where progressive candidates were first out with plans to limit data centers.

— David Weigel, semafor.com, 31 July 2026
Ideally, this new midfielder would be a progressive passer — something Everton also see in Hackney — who helps in possession, but can also distribute in a more direct manner at times.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of progressive

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

But even as Vancouver has begun the painful process of revising its harm-reduction policies, the city still exerts a powerful hold on the imagination of liberal leaders in the United States.

— Michael Powell, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026
The former lieutenant governor made the announcement in a video posted on his Facebook page as democratic socialist Francesca Hong has garnered strong support from the liberal wing of the party.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

More than anything, the reparations movement—despite being marginal for most of my life—is part of the Black radical tradition, and this is my inheritance.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
In a season of Cassandras, the most radical thing a citizen can do may also be the most ordinary.

— James Robenalt, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026