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 As a result, this unconventional approach has left many people wondering if this was a deliberate decision. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2026 The group will receive the accolade in recognition of a career defined by innovation and an unconventional creative vision that has expanded the boundaries of Mexican music and brought the genre to new audiences worldwide. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2026 The unconventional release follows in the steps of the other Showgirl singles (and Number Ones) which premiered visuals in theaters and exclusively on Spotify and Apple Music. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2026 Though the film initially received criticism for its unconventional portrayal of the young French queen (intentionally opting for an anachronistically stylish over stuffily period-appropriate approach), 20 years later, its legacy is undeniable. — Stephanie Sporn, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional

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

Adjective

Our research suggests these tombs were designed and constructed not simply to house the dead, but to affect the living through a sensorily immersive environment similar to a modern 3D film experience.

— Jacqueline Ortoleva, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2026
From Mudmee Thai silk to handwoven indigo cotton sourced from Don Koi, textiles were reworked using modern techniques such as laser cutting — which also showcased the influence of India through the brand’s Thai identity.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

Despite this informal, jam-forward approach, however, Silk Fence appear to be chasing something; an understated but steady coherence gives direction to even their most wandering moments.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026
In practice, that might mean designing for informal meetings as well as formal ones.

— Brendan Castle, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of informal

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

Adjective

Because the movie shies away from condemnation, it has been labeled by some as a MAGA film for supposedly demonizing progressive Norway and making the conservative Gheorghius the victims.

— Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
This ingredient targets the hormonal driver behind progressive thinning.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

There’s an irony in this prominent liberal writer’s lack of interest in actual politics—in any kind of collective solidarity that might extend beyond the county line.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
The sports media rarely treats athletes who espouse liberal or progressive political views as problematic, even when those views are provocative, divisive, or factually incorrect.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

The president also suggested that Talarico is far too radical for the Lone Star State.

— Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
Zirin states that Zinn was never an official party member, but his association with radical politics might have been enough to limit his job prospects.

— Barbara Spindel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2026