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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 This unconventional, generation-spanning bond opens a path through grief, love and self-discovery that gives the film a wholly unexpected arc. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026 The evolving use of prediction markets Small businesses in search of an unconventional risk management tool appear to be among the markets’ growing usership. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026 Lie plays legendary real-life jazz pianist Bill Evans in the unconventional biopic. — Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 Banana Ball is returning to downtown Baltimore in the summer of 2027, bringing its fast-paced, unconventional brand of baseball back to Oriole Park at Camden Yards. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

The head of the United Kingdom’s MI5 spy agency said Iran is trying to strike military sites in Britain, going beyond the traditional targets of dissident Iranians.

— Jared Gans, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2026
The regime transmuted its coercive force into political legitimacy through the spectacular destruction of dissident bodies, restoring reverence for the Eagle.

— Abdelrahman ElGendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissident

Adjective

Perfect Road, a documentary from Danish directors and cousins Adam and Christian Bonke, follows him on an extreme journey through some of Europe’s highest mountain passes, while also providing a meditation on modern life and character study.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
Although driver engagement has long been central to the 911 experience, the realities of modern automotive development are making manual transmissions a rare commodity.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

Not surprisingly, Bassetti during his informal conversation discussed the benefits of scale in today’s international TV business.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026
However, this is a far cry from earlier times when lawmakers met regularly, participated in spirited and substantive policy discussions, enjoyed informal dinners and even carpooled back home during congressional breaks.

— John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 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 false polling data from Wedgewood Polls consistently favored Democrats, particularly progressive candidates.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
The tension between conservative and progressive Methodists had been simmering for years.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

None of it feels remotely tied to the zeitgeist, instead showing an artist galvanized by their own out-there proclivities and exhilarated by the limitations of whatever ramshackle gear might be lying around a home studio.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
For music this uncompromising and out-there, the process is just as, if not more, important as the result.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of out-there

Adjective

Zygielbaum says the highly competitive Congressional District 8 spans both counties with Adams leaning liberal and Weld conservative.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
During Wednesday’s debate, Marshall repeatedly said a Hamilton victory would put Democrats in charge of the Senate and that Hamilton would vote with liberal Democrats.

— John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026