unconventional

adjective

un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈven(t)-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
Synonyms of unconventional
: 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 How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
noun
unconventionally adverb

Synonyms of unconventional

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Examples of unconventional in a Sentence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The brand, designed by Vincenzo Castaldo, is known for its vibrant colored gemstone jewels, chunky gold designs and bold, unconventional volumes. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Her non-traditional approach to life is also quite evident in her unconventional engagement ring. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 Melanie Moreno’s Substack Launch Of everyone to come out of the villa this season, Melanie Moreno has made arguably the most unconventional play. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Munetaka Murakami made the quick decision to step on the bag and then throw to the plate, where catcher Drew Romo tagged out Trevor Larnach for an unconventional inning-ending double play. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unconventional

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unconventional was in 1835

Rhymes for unconventional

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Browse Nearby Words

uncontrovertible
unconventional
unconventionalism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unconventional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unconventional. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unconventional

adjective
un·​con·​ven·​tion·​al ˌən-kən-ˈvench-nəl How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
-ən-ᵊl
: not conventional : not bound by or in agreement with convention
unconventional behavior
unconventionality
-ˌven-chə-ˈnal-ət-ē How to pronounce unconventional (audio)
noun
unconventionally
-ˈvench-nə-lē, 
-ən-ᵊl-ē
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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