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
With these bold stylistic choices by adapter John Hildreth and director Heather Currie, the play satirizes contemporary American society in an unconventional take on the science fiction classic.
—
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Massey’s plea, while unconventional, underscores ongoing tensions between the criminal justice system and those who feel failed by it.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 June 2025
Of course, Gilmore’s fiery temper and unconventional golf skills are on full display once again.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 2 June 2025
Consider a colleague who presented unconventional ideas in meetings or pursued a less traditional career path.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
Massey’s plea, while unconventional, underscores ongoing tensions between the criminal justice system and those who feel failed by it.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 3 June 2025
Of course, Gilmore’s fiery temper and unconventional golf skills are on full display once again.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 2 June 2025
Consider a colleague who presented unconventional ideas in meetings or pursued a less traditional career path.
—Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
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Jafar Panahi — the Iranian dissident filmmaker who has been arrested, jailed, and banned from filmmaking numerous times in his home country due to his powerful and provocative work — took home the top prize.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
26 May 2025
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Meanwhile, as the dissident director heads back to Iran, Iranian media are largely ignoring Jafar Panahi’s momentous Cannes Palme d’Or victory.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Art Nouveau Brass Mirror This brass mirror from the 1960s blends modern trends with antique materials.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
7 June 2025
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Beneath this green canopy lies a modern transport facility equipped to handle high-speed rail and daily commuters, while above, the original 1907 station has been meticulously reconstructed as a cultural landmark.—
Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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There have been informal talks between the clubs, but Newcastle, who are keen to avoid paying inflated fees, have alternative options.—
George Caulkin,
New York Times,
13 June 2025
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Poor areas with informal housing were the worst affected, government officials said.—
Gerald Imray,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 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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And maybe that sentiment contributed to the election of Bill de Blasio, who did run explicitly on being the most progressive candidate in the crowded 2013 primary.—
Eric Lach,
New Yorker,
8 June 2025
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Having said that, there is scope to be more expansive with his varied passing range; around 8.5 per cent of Todibo’s passes last season were progressive — just 11 top-flight centre-backs look forward with their passes less often.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
7 June 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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Her brand at the time was something like the Obama of the antipodes: a liberal media darling, icon of the global anti-Trump resistance, transitioning smoothly from lofty oratory to easygoing relatability.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
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The theater community is a liberal one, and many winners used their time on stage to criticize the Trump administration.—
Michaela Zee,
Variety,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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The festivities end on June 22 with KC Defender’s Juneteenth Freedom Day Cookout, which will celebrate the history of radical Black resistance.—
Zuri Primos,
Kansas City Star,
12 June 2025
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While Landy’s treatment would initially last only a year before his firing by Mike Love’s brother Stan, then the Beach Boys’ manager, his radical therapeutic approach appeared to stabilize Wilson’s behavior.—
Chris Morris,
Variety,
11 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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