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Synonyms

unconventional

American  
[uhn-kuhn-ven-shuh-nl] / ˌʌn kənˈvɛn ʃə nl /

adjective

  1. not conventional; not bound by or conforming to convention, rule, or precedent; free from conventionality.

    an unconventional artist; an unconventional use of material.
    Synonyms:
    atypical, idiosyncratic, individualistic, eccentric
unconventional British  
/ ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃənəl /

adjective

  1. not conforming to accepted rules or standards

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • unconventionalist noun
  • unconventionality noun
  • unconventionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of unconventional

First recorded in 1830–40; un- 1 + conventional

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's willing to play unconventional diplomatic games, unlike India," Kugelman adds.

From BBC

The SpaceX IPO will be just as unconventional as Musk himself.

From MarketWatch

Shah brought his unconventional style into his campaign for Nepal's top office this year, largely staying out of the spotlight and avoiding media interviews.

From BBC

Elon Musk plans an unconventional IPO, including investor visits to SpaceX facilities and allocating as much as a third or more of shares to individual investors.

From The Wall Street Journal

The show will follow Brydon's character as he adjusts to an unconventional living arrangement with a group of students.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.