nonconventional

adjective

non·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌnän-kən-ˈvench-nəl 

-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl

: not conventional : not conforming to convention, custom, tradition, or usual practice : unconventional

nonconventional teaching methods

nonconventional energy sources

Ten years ago, the alternative press was hard to find but easy to define. Our task was to seek out the best thinking from the new left, the new age, and any other nonconventional source we could find.

—Eric Utne

Synonyms

• broad-minded
• liberal
• nonorthodox
• nontraditional
• open-minded
• progressive
• radical
• unconventional
• unorthodox

Examples of nonconventional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additional states may consider the possible deterrent benefits of possessing nuclear arms or, if the costs of acquiring such weapons are prohibitive, other nonconventional weapons. —William C. Potter, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2023

Jason Sudeikis, also an executive producer and writer, stars as the titular character who coaches AFC Richmond and, through nonconventional methods, works to turn the players into self-believers. —Karen Mizoguchi, Variety, 15 Mar. 2023

The difference, however, is that Cannon proudly embraces his lifestyle of nonconventional fatherhood and rejects traditional monogamy, even challenging those who are skeptical. —Jenna Ryu, USA TODAY, 30 Sep. 2022

Fears that Moscow might introduce nonconventional weapons into the Ukrainian conflict have intensified in the wake of Russian failures to quickly to capture major Ukrainian cities. —Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above