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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Relevance

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 There’s no doubt that Skarsgård, a conventionally attractive actor known to take on eccentric and unconventional roles, is also playing a big part in the film’s allure. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 These early pages, which focus on Orzabal’s unconventional upbringing, paint captivating scenes of family life, with his parents, Georges and Margaret, emerging as vivid, complicated characters. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026 This movie has a very unconventional structure with respect to the villain. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 Episkopos noted that Kyiv has increasingly used unconventional tactics to offset Russia's superiority in conventional manpower and firepower. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

The operation, conducted by the army and the Colombian Aerospace Force in the municipality of Mapiripán, also killed three other members of the dissident group, De la Espriella said Sunday.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of dissident

Adjective

The cut is a modern textured crop featuring a forward flow and frosted tips.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Few eclipses in modern times have combined such exceptional duration, reliable weather and globally significant cultural landmarks along the path of totality.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The informal miners go into the mines to look for leftover deposits to sell.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Lionsgate, home to Rambo, The Hunger Games, and John Wick, has been fielding informal interest for some time, Semafor reported earlier this year, as activists eye the potential takeover target.

— Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of informal

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

Tottenham Hotspur starting the transfer window as the Premier League’s most liberal and audacious spenders feels like a long time ago.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Just this week, Russia’s supreme court blocked Yabloko, the only remaining liberal, anti-war party on the ballot for parliamentary elections, from running.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

Many fans have been playing the game for years and aren't necessarily into a radical change on such a huge mechanic like catching passes.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
His platform—Medicare for All, student debt cancellation, and a wealth tax—was radical by American standards and entirely conventional by the standards of most rich democracies.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026