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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That Seguin came back is one of those modern medical marvels, but he can’t be expected to carry too much.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
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Despite the awkward journey to this match, Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton created a babyface vs. heel dynamic that is hard to come by given how jaded modern wrestling fans have become.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
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
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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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Alon-Lee Green, the founding co-director of Standing Together, a progressive grassroots movement, told CNN that young people aren’t at fault for the extremist attitudes that are dividing wider Israeli society.—
Kara Fox,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
-
California voters further reversed progressive policies by passing Proposition 36, which enhances penalties for theft and drug offenses.—
Carson Becker,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 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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The Supreme Court declined to lift the lower court’s order, with Barrett and another conservative, Chief Justice John Roberts, joining the three liberal justices: Justice Elena Kagan, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sotomayor.—
Niall Stanage,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
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Rest assured, the play makes liberal use of the Netflix show’s signature electro-ethereal theme music.—
Sarah Bahr,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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These are not radical propositions but instead form baseline expectations for any organization that is entrusted with the lives, safety and stories of vulnerable people.—
Sughnen Yongo,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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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
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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