ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
1
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
2
as in modern
not bound by traditional ways or beliefs
had unconventional opinions on the raising of children
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3
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
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Recent Examples of unconventional
For three seasons, Jimmy, a therapist grieving the loss of his wife, has used unconventional methods —think taking someone with aggression issues to a boxing ring — to get through to his patients.
—
Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Nobody Wants This in its second season again centered on agnostic podcast host Joanne, played by Bell, and the unconventional Rabbi Noah (Brody), as their unmatched chemistry continued to surprise everyone in their lives.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
An unconventional friendship with the rebellious, daring huntress Sely supports her journey to self-realisation and acceptance.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Being so unconventional has served them very well this season.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Nobody Wants This in its second season again centered on agnostic podcast host Joanne, played by Bell, and the unconventional Rabbi Noah (Brody), as their unmatched chemistry continued to surprise everyone in their lives.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
An unconventional friendship with the rebellious, daring huntress Sely supports her journey to self-realisation and acceptance.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2026
Being so unconventional has served them very well this season.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
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There's the dissident intelligence officer Helmuth von Moltke, a conservative who seeks to work from inside against the Nazis (he gets hanged for his trouble).—
John Powers,
NPR,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Diplomacy with the West In 2003, after a dissident group exposed Iran’s clandestine nuclear activities in 2002 and Iran began facing intensifying international pressure, Araghchi was appointed director of the first department of western Europe in Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.—
Britannica Editors,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Chernyshov is a big, strong (6-foot-3, about 200 pounds) winger and modern power-forward type where driving is a part of his identity, but not to a bullish fault as his only focus, and his skill/finesse might take on greater emphasis.—
Scott Wheeler,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Each room is decorated with antiques and architectural salvage that’s been collected over the years, adding a little personality to the modern space.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The emerging cooperation has opened the door for American companies to explore opportunities in Venezuela’s mineral-rich south, even as governance on the ground remains dominated by armed groups and informal networks.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
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Residents have cleared public rainforest, creating informal plots and erecting makeshift homes.—
Gabriela Sá Pessoa,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Board member Renee Paschall cast the lone dissenting vote on the final package.—
Elizabeth Sander,
San Antonio Express-News,
19 Aug. 2022
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The document runs to more than a hundred and fifty pages, and for each question there are affirmative and dissenting studies, as well as some that indicate mixed results.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
3 June 2022
Adjective
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Meanwhile, the oil industry blames California's progressive policies for driving them out.—
Richard Ramos,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
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Sunshine died March 15 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, after a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy, a family spokesperson announced.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The show was always an out-there concept, even for HBO.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
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The planet is the setting for an unlikely mix of sci-fi, magic, and fantasy, populated by a bizarre assortment of characters whose origins were usually determined by the out-there whims of toymakers — there really is no other way to explain Snout Spout.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Another conservative justice retiring next year could yield a 6-1 liberal supermajority, reshaping Wisconsin policy on voting rights, unions, and worker protections.—
Scott Bauer,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
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Wisconsinites will vote for a new state Supreme Court justice on Tuesday in a race that could maintain or widen the court's liberal majority for years.—
Gaby Vinick,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Showing an new indie film in theaters rather than taking the more common route of going directly to a streaming service or video on demand or even the regional film festival circuit is a rather radical move these days.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
9 Apr. 2026
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The crowd at an event for James Fishback, a Florida gubernatorial candidate, who, like many other young conservatives, considers MAGA insufficiently radical.—
Ian Crouch,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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