ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl
1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in modern
not bound by traditional ways or beliefs
had unconventional opinions on the raising of children
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in informal
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules
young, creative people who lead unconventional but fulfilling lifestyles
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unconventional
Younger consumers today are more willing to take risks and explore flexible paths to homeownership— whether that means buying a fixer-upper, embracing unconventional financing, or accepting higher mortgage rates for the sake of getting in the market.
—
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
But there is a place for a streamer like that to do unconventional, high-quality content.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Even more unconventional is the way these portals are arrayed and allotted.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
The early detection of viral RNA in wild bird droppings, sometimes preceding official poultry outbreaks, suggests that unconventional surveillance in these biologically rich but infrastructurally sparse areas could play a larger role in pandemic risk mitigation.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
But there is a place for a streamer like that to do unconventional, high-quality content.
—Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 8 July 2025
Even more unconventional is the way these portals are arrayed and allotted.
—Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
The early detection of viral RNA in wild bird droppings, sometimes preceding official poultry outbreaks, suggests that unconventional surveillance in these biologically rich but infrastructurally sparse areas could play a larger role in pandemic risk mitigation.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
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Other contenders abroad include the dissident group Mujahedeen e-Khalq, more commonly known as the MEK, which has gained high-profile supporters including the former New York mayor and Trump ally Rudy Giuliani.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
25 June 2025
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Tehran also accuses Iranian expatriates and dissident groups sympathetic to Israel of supporting logistics, communication, and funding.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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Even with higher on-average incomes, gay parents face the same challenges of the modern economy as straight ones — from student loan repayments to a carton of eggs.—
Sam Raus,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
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These modern, design-forward homes have shared amenities like a sauna, a cold plunge, a putting green, and a basketball court.—
Abby Price,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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Within the outcome document, the drafters champion several strategies to expand domestic tax bases, such as integrating the informal sector into the formal economy and identifying undeclared income and wealth.—
Nana Ama Sarfo,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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Whether for a casual outing, an afternoon of shopping, or even an informal dinner, this combination has the power to transform a simple look into a fashion statement.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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In the dissenting view, the star collapses to the edge of the event horizon and then hovers there, or rebounds and explodes.—
Corey S. Powell,
Discover Magazine,
26 Feb. 2015
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The document runs to more than a hundred and fifty pages, and for each question there are affirmative and dissenting studies, as well as some that indicate mixed results.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
3 June 2022
Adjective
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Commissioner of Indian Affairs John Collier took a more progressive approach to Native issues.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
13 July 2025
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Last season, 33 per cent of his total carries in the Premier League were progressive, defined as carries greater than five metres and move the ball at least five metres towards the opposition goal — only Jeremy Doku (38 per cent) had a higher share among players who played at least 900 minutes.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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For now, there’s nothing quite so out-there, although deer blood is the star ingredient in the final dessert, a chocolate-ish (but cocoa-free) fondant served with hazelnut praline and malt ice cream.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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An out-there premise, for sure, but one that has so far worked out better than anyone had a right to expect.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The model for these ecosystems comes from Colorado, where in the mid 2000s a liberal donor collective is credited with helping Democrats take and keep control of the statehouse.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
14 July 2025
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The three liberal justices opposed the order, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor writing in dissent.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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True love for this country has become rarer today, and in fact, radical hatred has become more common.—
Linda McMahon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
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The 1989 drama starred Morgan Freeman as a radical educator tasked with saving a New Jersey high school riddled with gang violence and drug use.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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