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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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
Reginald Christian, senior fashion manager, menswear at Saks Favorite collections: Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons presented a collection that explored the beauty of playful shapes, contrasting materials and the pure joy of unconventional dressing.
—
Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
Photo : Zenith Zenith Defy Skeleton Inspired by Defy models from the 1960s, the modern Defy Skyline expands upon the idea of the multi-sided case and bezel by pairing its unconventional shape with a hi-beat movement capable of measuring 1/10th of a second.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
Glenn Close is opening up about her unconventional childhood.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
All of them worked on the last campaign and will try to translate an operation that worked for them on the trail into a model for unconventional governance.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unconventional 
Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
Photo : Zenith Zenith Defy Skeleton Inspired by Defy models from the 1960s, the modern Defy Skyline expands upon the idea of the multi-sided case and bezel by pairing its unconventional shape with a hi-beat movement capable of measuring 1/10th of a second.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
Glenn Close is opening up about her unconventional childhood.
—Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025
All of them worked on the last campaign and will try to translate an operation that worked for them on the trail into a model for unconventional governance.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for unconventional
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unconventional
Adjective
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Ferrer, the leader of the dissident organization Unión Patriótica de Cuba, was one of the most prominent political prisoners the Cuban government had been holding as bargaining chips.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
17 Jan. 2025
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The single pop of dissident color throughout, provided by Charlotte’s blue raincoat, reminds us of what lies beyond the drab borders of the new German empire.—
Josh Weiss,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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There appeared to be the votes on the Miami-Dade commission to build a modern replacement of the incinerator on the same location in Doral, until Eric Trump, who runs the president’s hospitality business, came out against the plan days after his father won the 2024 election.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
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While the hotel's interiors ooze modern sophistication (there is a sleek marble fireplace in the lobby and a statement chandelier hanging above an elegant seating area), the decor also pays homage to the property's roots.—
Dobrina Zhekova,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Getting the right help to where it’s needed Every study of a large-scale disaster conducted by the Disaster Research Center has revealed some level of emergent, informal helping behavior.—
James Kendra,
The Conversation,
20 Jan. 2025
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Week In Review: Trump’s Cabinet Picks Is Our Favorite New Reality Show By Katherine Fung Senior Writer 0 For the first time in eight years—almost to the day—The Celebrity Apprentice will make an informal return to American audiences.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 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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Time to get progressive with your financial strategy.—
USA TODAY,
USA TODAY,
27 Jan. 2025
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How does the league authentically represent its diverse player base while also appealing to a broad audience that might not be as progressive?—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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That’s probably the most out-there aspect of the show.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
24 Jan. 2025
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Ban’s jewelry and out-there personal style earned her more than just a roster of loyal, A-list clientele.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This Carter button, in the campaign’s signature green, summed up their politically balanced ticket: Deep South partnered with far North, appealing to liberal and conservative Democrats alike.—
Bill Marsh,
New York Times,
31 Dec. 2024
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South Korea’s conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol — weakened after the liberal opposition retained control in an April election -– astonished the country by declaring martial law in a late-night announcement on Dec. 3.—
Jill Lawless,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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In the 1970s, physicist Alan Guth concocted a radical picture of the extremely early universe.—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
19 Jan. 2025
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But a complicating factor for Fed forecasters and officials is that Trump can move forward with new tariffs without congressional approval, leading to potentially radical changes virtually overnight.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN,
19 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near unconventional
Cite this Entry
“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unconventional. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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