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
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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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unconventional
Its lack of natural predators protected birds with unconventional lifestyles by most bird standards.
—
Tom Page, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
In addition to making San Jose’s best sourdough bread, Milk Belly Bakery easily makes the city’s most unconventional loaves.
—Mario Cortez, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Mar. 2026
Lindy West’s new memoir, Adult Braces, ends with a portrait of unconventional domestic bliss.
—Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2026
Having students wrestle with unconventional modes of composition and revision lies at the heart of ensuring that the technology is more of a helpful thought partner, but not a substitute for their voice.
—Gayle Rogers, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Tom Page, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
In addition to making San Jose’s best sourdough bread, Milk Belly Bakery easily makes the city’s most unconventional loaves.
—Mario Cortez, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Mar. 2026
Lindy West’s new memoir, Adult Braces, ends with a portrait of unconventional domestic bliss.
—Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2026
Having students wrestle with unconventional modes of composition and revision lies at the heart of ensuring that the technology is more of a helpful thought partner, but not a substitute for their voice.
—Gayle Rogers, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
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Soon, the childhood acquaintances are embarking on a surveillance caper, eavesdropping on a dissident pop star (Rebecca Naomi Jones).—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
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In the weeks before that dinner, dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and the Times and other outlets reported that world leaders had come to suspect the crown prince in the murder.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Dinner in Carrick goes elevated at The Oarsman, a modern Irish standout, or cozier at The Red Bank, where local produce meets a candlelit garden setting.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
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The interior was redesigned with new modern enhancements and interactive videos to elevate the fan experience.—
Kerri Corrado,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Crain requested an informal report on data centers from city staff on Monday, March 23.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Mar. 2026
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By the end of production, Simmonds was running informal signing tests with the rest of the cast on set during breaks.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Board member Renee Paschall cast the lone dissenting vote on the final package.—
Elizabeth Sander,
San Antonio Express-News,
19 Aug. 2022
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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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One is to follow the approach of Minnesota and other progressive states and convert deductions or exclusions to refundable credits.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
22 Mar. 2026
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Thirty-five study participants received relaxation therapy, consisting of deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation techniques.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Outside,
21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The show was always an out-there concept, even for HBO.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
24 Mar. 2026
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The planet is the setting for an unlikely mix of sci-fi, magic, and fantasy, populated by a bizarre assortment of characters whose origins were usually determined by the out-there whims of toymakers — there really is no other way to explain Snout Spout.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On the one hand, content perceived as liberal or critical of the government often faces backlash from various elements.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
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The court’s three liberal justices — Sonia Sotomayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Elena Kagan — dissented.—
Faith Bugenhagen,
Austin American Statesman,
24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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His themes intersect with those of Kiarostami—an anti-authoritarianism that, though no less radical, is an ironic, self-deprecating one.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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The most radical changes all concern food and drink in one way or another.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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