unconventional

ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
Definition of unconventionalnext
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

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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 Her Olympic routine soon became a global talking point, especially for its unconventional movements and distinctive style, including kangaroo hopping and the sprinkler. Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 The brand, designed by Vincenzo Castaldo, is known for its vibrant colored gemstone jewels, chunky gold designs and bold, unconventional volumes. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Her non-traditional approach to life is also quite evident in her unconventional engagement ring. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 Melanie Moreno’s Substack Launch Of everyone to come out of the villa this season, Melanie Moreno has made arguably the most unconventional play. Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
  • In addition to sharing that expertise with Mexican cartels, the use of drones in Colombia has also become commonplace among FARC dissident groups.
    Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The film, which runs at a staggering 165 minutes, took dissident director Khrzhanovsky two decades to make.
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The idea that stricter work-search requirements will lead to faster re-employment simply doesn't match the reality of modern hiring.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Even by Newcastle United’s modern standards, a lot happened over the summer.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Language in your next lease renewal covering accent walls, hardware swaps or pre-move-out inspections, a signal that landlords are formalizing what has been an informal negotiation.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) — an informal cooperation between the maritime bodies of 18 shipping nations across the globe — noted that more than 80% of global trade is transported by sea.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
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
Adjective
  • The move signals Johnson will up his effort to reach Chicagoans on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok with his progressive message.
    Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Talarico, a former school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian serving his fourth term in the Texas House of Representatives, made waves in national politics through a combination of progressive values grounded in religious doctrine.
    Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Smith is having a banner year, with a solo show at Graham and a survey at MASS MoCA, plus an exhibition at Waldo, Tobias Czudej’s seasonal space in an out-there part of Maine.
    Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 11 Sep. 2026
  • They’re made from a faux leather that, frankly, looks really expensive, and are available in 20 colors, including some more out-there prints.
    Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • As November approaches, a liberal alternative to AIPAC in pro-Israel advocacy is ratcheting up its efforts to counter that influence.
    Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Other, more liberal candidates, have positioned themselves as willing to stand up and hold Kennedy accountable.
    Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Although his party is known for its pro-Russian and anti-immigration positions and other radical stances, Siegmund has avoided making extreme statements and presents himself as a man of the people.
    Geir Moulson, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Cho herself prepared by consulting the late master of the form, Frederick Wiseman, who was unabashed about the tension between documentary filmaking’s often radical politics and the privilege required to turn it into a profession.
    Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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