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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unconventional
In addition to unconventional finds, fresh flowers and everyday basics like milk, eggs, meat, bakery items and fresh produce, the new Westminster location will also offer beer and wine, according to the store’s description.
—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025
The following explores the logic behind the arguments about whether and how markets will bounce back and uses an unconventional approach to determining which one is more compelling.
—Robert Ginsburg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
An unconventional use of color is found on the geometric paneling that covers not only the cabinets but also the countertops.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2025
These unconventional or niche markets—whether they’re built around specific lifestyles, cultural shifts, unique services, or underserved consumer segments—can offer less competition, more loyal customers, and a sharper opportunity to stand out.
—Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2025
The following explores the logic behind the arguments about whether and how markets will bounce back and uses an unconventional approach to determining which one is more compelling.
—Robert Ginsburg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
An unconventional use of color is found on the geometric paneling that covers not only the cabinets but also the countertops.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2025
These unconventional or niche markets—whether they’re built around specific lifestyles, cultural shifts, unique services, or underserved consumer segments—can offer less competition, more loyal customers, and a sharper opportunity to stand out.
—Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
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He’d been allowed through the security checkpoint to attend a session given by a professor at the university, a Tunisian dissident and political exile, a specialist in the liberation movements of the Global South.—
David Bezmozgis,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
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Rumors about an investigation against He first surfaced among the Chinese dissident community following China’s annual political meetings last month.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Apostolic churches believe in modern day apostles and prophets, or those who claim to communicate directly with God and receive gifts of the Holy Spirit.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
20 Apr. 2025
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For us as Jews, Easter has far more sinister overtones — of the passages from the Gospels that gave birth to modern antisemitism, of passion plays, pogroms, and emotional fuel for the literal fires that consumed our people.—
Joshua Stanton,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
When the executive order goes into effect, de minimis packages from China will be subject to an informal entry process, and each package that travels to the U.S. via international post will now be subject to a tariff rate of 120 percent or $100, a rate that will increase to $200 after June 1.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
14 Apr. 2025
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What exactly are the rules for saving seats at an informal event where seats are not assigned? Related Articles Miss Manners: Heroes?—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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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Francis, who was a progressive leader of the church, had appointed roughly 80% of the cardinals who are eligible to vote for the new pope, according to Miles Pattenden, historian of the Catholic Church at Oxford University.—
Megan Forrester,
ABC News,
21 Apr. 2025
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Joseph Tobin Joseph Tobin, 72, is a highly progressive candidate for the Church and has amassed substantial influence in the U.S.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
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
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Paired with these out-there visuals are rather poignant subtitles as Noah ponders time and grief, ultimately leading him to embrace the present and enjoy every moment with the doll before losing track of him.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Leading the charge for the religious parents was lawyer Eric Baxter, who got a grilling from the court's three liberal justices.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
22 Apr. 2025
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The court’s three liberal justices all vigorously challenged the parents’ request in the case, seeing opt-out rights as a slippery slope.—
Devin Dwyer,
ABC News,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Europe is in the midst of its own radical transformation, singed and stunned by Trump's tariffs, constant insults, undermining NATO and siding with Russia over Ukraine.—
Axios,
Axios,
9 Apr. 2025
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When Grant became president in 1869 and tried to crack down on the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups, ex-Confederates demonized him as a radical extremist who had betrayed his promises to Lee.—
Made by History,
Time,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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