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.
The property’s unorthodox form also proved to be useful during the NBA Finals in June, when a pizzeria projected games onto the side of the building. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 27 Aug. 2026 Lampkin’s unorthodox size forces the defenders to adjust, and leverage is such a valuable tool at the line of scrimmage. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The unorthodox generator engine, which powered all types of workhorse vehicles between 1959 and 1991, sits neatly inside its wheeled cart. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 19 Aug. 2026 In a statement, the district attorney’s office didn’t rule out the unorthodox move and called on more witnesses in the case to come forward. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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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