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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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 Slayton points to pesto and frittatas as her favorite unconventional ways to use arugula, while Klinger loves it on pizza with Parmesan cheese. — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 The show follows Gatiss, who created the format, as unconventional bookshop owner Book, who helps police solve crimes in the years after World War II. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 The festival’s legendary Burnt Ends section is famous for programming exciting new filmmakers working with low budgets and unconventional stories. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 18 Aug. 2026 Something that’s maybe unconventional or a bit outside of the box. — David J. Moore, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

The lawsuit comes less than a year after Schwapp asked state officials to prosecute dissident Town Council member Shamar Mahon for allegedly living in Hartford while serving in Bloomfield.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of dissident

Adjective

There’s a keen juxtaposition of the old and the modern throughout this part of Edinburgh, where buildings made of ancient volcanic sandstone accommodate hip boutiques like record store Underground Solu'shn and coffee shops like The Milkman.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Okuyama emphasizes a focus on lightweight construction and a direct human connection, using traditional craftsmanship alongside modern tech.

— Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

His experience impelled him to join an informal yet determined community of researchers, doctors, and patients pushing for extra studies to help patients and doctors find the right dosage for an array of cancer drugs.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Judge Roach reminded both sides that he was not bound by any informal agreement.

— CBS Texas Staff, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

Black Americans were struggling against the legacy of Jim Crow, and Abdeen interned with Ernest Goodman, a civil-rights lawyer who was reviving the National Lawyers Guild, a collective of progressive legal professionals.

— Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Several political programs returned to the chart this quarter, including Mark Levin Podcast, Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar, The David Pakman Show, Pivot, and Piers Morgan Uncensored, spanning both progressive and conservative audiences.

— Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

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
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

Definition of out-there

Adjective

Americans and Europeans who identify as leftist or liberal tend to have fewer children than those who identify as conservative or right-leaning.

— Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
The three finalists are liberal strongholds surrounded by the type of suburban areas that have become increasingly important to the party in recent elections.

— Mike Catalini, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

The Khmer Rouge group that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 was accused of genocide for causing the deaths of so many countrymen from executions, starvation and lack of medical care due to its radical policies.

— Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026
Legalization makes that imagery easy to flatten, but Frankie lighting a joint in that guy’s driveway still feels like a radical act.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Aug. 2026