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 The bestselling perfumes today incorporate unconventional ingredients to create a more nuanced result. — Danielle James, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026 In a new Instagram video, the supermodel explained the thought process behind her unconventional silver gown. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026 That’s by design, as the festivals Currents section seeks to highlight boundary-pushing, unconventional work from filmmakers around the world. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026 Fortune made the primary ballot through the unconventional and logistically challenging process of qualifying through petition signatures. — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

Adjective

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
On July 19, Cuban artist and dissident Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara arrived in Miami after a period when his whereabouts remained unknown following his release from Guanajay Prison.

— News Desk, Artforum, 21 July 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

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
The classic straight-leg silhouette is relaxed throughout, providing ease and movement to the style, balancing the more out-there design details.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026

Definition of out-there

Adjective

Tottenham Hotspur starting the transfer window as the Premier League’s most liberal and audacious spenders feels like a long time ago.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Just this week, Russia’s supreme court blocked Yabloko, the only remaining liberal, anti-war party on the ballot for parliamentary elections, from running.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 13 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