unconventional
adjective
un·con·ven·tion·al 
ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl,
-ˈven(t)-shə-nᵊl : not conventional : not bound by or in accordance with convention : being out of the ordinary
an unconventional outfit
an unconventional thinker
unconventionality
ˌən-kən-ˌven(t)-shə-ˈna-lə-tē
noun unconventionally adverb
Synonyms
- dissentient
- dissenting
- dissident
- heretical
- heretic
- heterodox
- iconoclastic
- maverick
- nonconformist
- nonorthodox
- out-there
- unorthodox
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Her lifestyle is rather unconventional. the Shakers acquired their name because of their unconventional practice of dancing with shaking movements during worship
Recent Examples on the Web A few years ago, a Ukrainian businessman with a flair for the unconventional started an experimental oyster farm in these waters. 
New York Times, 22 Aug. 2022 The Grammy-winning singer is known for taking the unconventional and transforming it into something sartorially fresh and unexpected. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 17 Aug. 2022 Perhaps the most unconventional of the list, these Smart Sheep dryer balls are made from 100 percent premium New Zealand wool and have a textured surface to pick up the stray pet hairs that stick to your clothes. Alyssa Brascia, PEOPLE.com, 22 July 2022 The last two products include the Best of Beauty-winning Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask and something that may seem a bit unconventional: shampoo, specifically Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Gabi Thorne, Allure, 26 May 2022 Their unconventional love story and utterly astonishing footage get more extensive treatment in Sara Dosa’s captivating documentary, which thrilled virtual Sundance crowds but deserves the biggest screen possible. Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2022 It’s an unconventional horror story that deals with feelings as much as phantoms — and is all the stronger for that. Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, 19 May 2021 Somerhalder celebrated his 32nd birthday in an unconventional way on the set of The Vampire Diaries. Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2022 When her insurance company denied her coverage to treat a stomach condition that causes frequent vomiting, Sandy Honig decided to appeal the decision in a more unconventional way. Morgan Sung, NBC News, 31 Aug. 2022 See More
New York Times, 22 Aug. 2022 The Grammy-winning singer is known for taking the unconventional and transforming it into something sartorially fresh and unexpected. Chelsey Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 17 Aug. 2022 Perhaps the most unconventional of the list, these Smart Sheep dryer balls are made from 100 percent premium New Zealand wool and have a textured surface to pick up the stray pet hairs that stick to your clothes. Alyssa Brascia, PEOPLE.com, 22 July 2022 The last two products include the Best of Beauty-winning Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Sleepair Intensive Mask and something that may seem a bit unconventional: shampoo, specifically Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. Gabi Thorne, Allure, 26 May 2022 Their unconventional love story and utterly astonishing footage get more extensive treatment in Sara Dosa’s captivating documentary, which thrilled virtual Sundance crowds but deserves the biggest screen possible. Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2022 It’s an unconventional horror story that deals with feelings as much as phantoms — and is all the stronger for that. Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, 19 May 2021 Somerhalder celebrated his 32nd birthday in an unconventional way on the set of The Vampire Diaries. Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 1 Sep. 2022 When her insurance company denied her coverage to treat a stomach condition that causes frequent vomiting, Sandy Honig decided to appeal the decision in a more unconventional way. Morgan Sung, NBC News, 31 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1835, in the meaning defined above
unconventional
adjective
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- dissident
- dissenting
- maverick
- iconoclastic
- unorthodox
- nonconformist
- heretical
- heretic
- nontraditional
- out-there
- heterodox
- renegade
- separatist
- dissentient
- nonorthodox
- sectarian
- defecting
- freethinking
- free-spirited
- apostate
- schismatic
- schismatical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- conventional
- orthodox
- conformist
- conforming
2
as in modern
not bound by traditional ways or beliefs had unconventional opinions on the raising of children Synonyms & Similar Words
- modern
- nonconventional
- nontraditional
- progressive
- liberal
- radical
- contemporary
- unorthodox
- advanced
- open-minded
- nonorthodox
- broad-minded
- permissive
- extreme
- lenient
- impartial
- tolerant
- forbearing
- large-minded
- unbiased
- indulgent
- objective
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- conventional
- traditional
- conservative
- orthodox
- stodgy
- rigid
- hidebound
- hard
- strict
- nonprogressive
- old-fashioned
- dogmatic
- dogmatical
- doctrinal
- bigoted
- intolerant
- reactionary
- blinkered
- unreconstructed
- narrow-minded
3
as in informal
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules young, creative people who lead unconventional but fulfilling lifestyles Synonyms & Similar Words
- informal
- unorthodox
- heterodox
- irregular
- unofficial
- unceremonious
- unauthorized
- casual
- relaxed
- easygoing
- familiar
- offhand
- ultracasual
- lax
- free and easy
- loose
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- conventional
- formal
- regular
- orthodox
- routine
- ceremonial
- proper
- correct
- rigid
- ceremonious
- restrained
- decorous
- stiff
- uptight
- constrained
- stuffy
- inhibited