NONCONFORMIST Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

nonconformist 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of nonconformist

as in dissident

deviating from commonly accepted beliefs or practices a cattle-ranching family that took some time in getting used to their daughter's nonconformist adoption of vegetarianism

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nonconformist

2 of 2

noun

ˌnän-kən-ˈfȯr-mist

as in maverick

a person who does not conform to generally accepted standards or customs always the nonconformist, she insisted on wearing red on St. Patrick's Day and not green like everyone else

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dissenter

a person who believes, teaches, or advocates something opposed to accepted beliefs a nonconformist who was excommunicated from her church for her teachings

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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 nonconformist

Adjective

Once ridiculed and dismissed for his nonconformist views on vaccines, nutrition, and exercise, Kennedy now leads a vast legion of followers and acolytes. — Will Carless, USA Today, 17 Jan. 2026 As such, the city takes on its own distinctively sooty, nonconformist character. — Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Noun

At least Guillén still speaks his mind on the Sox’s pre- and postgame shows, so maybe there’s hope for nonconformists after all. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 Unlike her sister Daphne, Eloise's character is a nonconformist regarding society's ideals of what a woman should be, and her outfits portray that. — Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nonconformist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for nonconformist

Adjective

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
In January 1977 the writer, dissident, and future president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel, was arrested by the Communist regime for his part in organizing the groundbreaking Czechoslovak human rights initiative, Charter 77.

— Václav Havel, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissident

Noun

Naomi, a maverick environmental lawyer; her husband, banker Amaré; and their longtime friend Raheem, who works as an auto mechanic.

— Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Launching a linear channel may feel anachronistic and comes at a time when the BBC is set to close at least one but under maverick content chief Ben Frow, 5 has leaned in to linear.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of maverick

Adjective

As with their other current CBS hit Elsbeth — and unlike their more creatively unconventional streaming shows The Good Fight and Evil — Cupertino sands down some of the Kings’ jagged edges, aiming for something cuter.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
He was known for intense performances and roles that often portrayed complex or unconventional characters.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Noun

The public reckonings with these figures’ legacies—the troubled former child star gone too soon, the beloved icon, the cult favorite, the complicated eccentric—have come in a cascade.

— Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Make sure to practice a full range of motion with these and emphasize the eccentric (the way down) part of the movement for maximal time under tension and muscle-building stimulus.

— Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of eccentric

Noun

Niger’s ruling junta survived its most serious internal challenge since the 2023 coup after renegade soldiers mutinied in Niamey and Russian Africa Corps fighters helped presidential guards retake a key airbase.

— Chinedu Asadu, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
In some ways, there is a strange kind of unity to these three—all are set during the Depression, all feature stylish renegades.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of renegade

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

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“Nonconformist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nonconformist. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of nonconformist

adjective

noun

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