unorthodox

adjective

un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks How to pronounce unorthodox (audio)
Synonyms of unorthodox
: not orthodox : different from established or conventional doctrine, or practices, customs, or opinion
unorthodox views/beliefs
She's known for using unorthodox methods to achieve her goals.
unorthodoxly adverb

Synonyms of unorthodox

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Examples of unorthodox in a Sentence

a time when people with unorthodox religious views were banished from the colony raised by an aunt, whose unorthodox parenting practices made for a strange but fun childhood
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.
But the Tigers have the clear advantage on paper, even as rivalries can bring out unorthodox circumstances. — Pj Green october 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are scoring points in the most unorthodox ways against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 In a different era, such an arrangement was seen as unorthodox. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 In that Comedy Central show, Fielder played a would-be business consultant who attempted to help real business owners by proposing unorthodox solutions to market their services. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unorthodox

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unorthodox was in 1629

Rhymes for unorthodox

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Browse Nearby Words

unornamented
unorthodox
unorthodoxy
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Cite this Entry

“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unorthodox. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unorthodox

adjective
un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks How to pronounce unorthodox (audio)
ˈən-
: not orthodox : not usual
an unorthodox teaching method
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