Definition

Adjective: - Not conforming to or in accord with tradition: Describes something that does not follow established customs, beliefs, or methods that have been passed down over time.

Usage

The adjective "nontraditional" is used to modify a noun, directly indicating that the noun it describes deviates from conventional or long-accepted norms. It is the standard antonym of "traditional."

Examples

• The university welcomed nontraditional students, such as those returning to education after years in the workforce.
• Their marriage ceremony was nontraditional, featuring personalized vows instead of standard religious texts.
• The company is known for its nontraditional approach to marketing, using viral social media campaigns instead of television ads.

Advanced Usage

• In compound adjectives: While "nontraditional" itself is a single word, it can form part of a hyphenated compound adjective when combined with another word to describe a specific concept (e.g., ). Note that the core meaning of "not conforming to tradition" remains centered on "nontraditional."
• As a contrast to "traditional": Often used in comparative or contrastive contexts to highlight innovation or change.
  • The debate centered on traditional versus nontraditional teaching methods.

Variants and Related Words

• Untraditional (adjective): A less common synonym with the same meaning.
• Nontraditionally (adverb): In a manner that is not traditional.
  • The role was performed nontraditionally by a female actor.

Synonyms

• Unconventional
• Innovative (when emphasizing newness over opposition to tradition)
• Progressive
• Alternative

Antonyms

• Traditional
• Conventional
• Orthodox
• Customary

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Break with tradition: An idiom describing a deliberate move away from traditional ways.
  • The designer's new collection was a clear break with tradition.
• Outside the box: An informal phrase for thinking or acting in an unconventional way, which can describe a nontraditional approach.

Adjective

1. not conforming to or in accord with tradition
   • nontraditional designs
   • nontraditional practices