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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unconventional
In this unconventional and comedic road odyssey, a Lebanese mother and her American son drive across the United States, revealing the fractures and bonds between them.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Quarter zips, skirt overlay pants, and asymmetric blazers are paired with unexpected sneaker styles to give an unconventional look.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
In a trailer for a new documentary about the his years in Rome, Leone a Roma, eagle-eyed sneaker enthusiasts were able to spot the pope's unconventional footwear choice.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Gevorkian took an unconventional route into NBA front-office work.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Quarter zips, skirt overlay pants, and asymmetric blazers are paired with unexpected sneaker styles to give an unconventional look.
—Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
In a trailer for a new documentary about the his years in Rome, Leone a Roma, eagle-eyed sneaker enthusiasts were able to spot the pope's unconventional footwear choice.
—Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Gevorkian took an unconventional route into NBA front-office work.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
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And major Russian language book fairs, focused on dissident literature, are becoming more common across Europe.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
The opening up of the submission process for the category has been largely applauded by the international film community, especially dissident filmmakers at odds with their governments who never stood a stand chance of representing their countries.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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Inspired by the design of classic tuxedo shirts, this modern twist has a cropped fit, pintucked front details, and button cuffs.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
20 May 2026
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Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
Adjective
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Putin meeting in contrast Xi's meeting with Putin over the last few days has been a more informal affair, with the Kremlin keen to emphasize that the two-day trip was just a part of regular contact and communication between Moscow and Beijing.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
20 May 2026
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And while the film industry is one often considered to be ruled by informal gateways and insider circles, thus far, the Rover team hasn’t encountered any pushback from directors uneager to share their secrets.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
20 May 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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Like some progressive consensus at the center, but that's not there.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
-
But California pushes its progressive tax system to the extreme.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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As a symbol of national ingenuity and know-how, the frosty specimen is kind of out-there.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2026
-
As a performer, these characters are out-there.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Roughly a mile away as the crow flies is the site of what once was known as Mills College, which was a private, four-year liberal-arts college for women.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
19 May 2026
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Politically, the industry was equal parts liberal and libertarian, and was perhaps best reflected by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, created to protect the denizens of cyberspace from an overreaching government.—
Jonathan Weber,
Fortune,
19 May 2026
Adjective
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Britain’s markets have appeared shaky as rumors of a contest have swirled, which may give those who favor a more radical approach pause for thought.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
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Revisiting the groundbreaking feminist performance art movement in 1970s Los Angeles, one artist spotlights the inspirational, transformational, radical community exploding the narrative and status quo.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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