ORTHODOX Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

orthodox

adjective

ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks

Definition of orthodox

as in formal

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules schoolteachers tended to favor poets who followed a very orthodox style of poetry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in traditional

tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions orthodox in their view of the world, the Founding Fathers subscribed to the 18th-century notion that only men with property should be allowed to vote

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of orthodox Tens of thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews, sometimes called Haredi, have refused conscription into the Israeli militia on religious grounds. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026 The 28-year-old struggled in Amorim’s 4-3-2-1 system, but Carrick has largely used a more orthodox 4-2-3-1 shape since taking over, making room for Rashford on the left side of the forward line. — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Currently, the Kotel has a men’s section and women’s section, which is overseen by the haredi Orthodox Chief Rabbinate, and a nearby egalitarian section, which has been overseen by the non-Orthodox branches since 2016. — Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2026 Valencia’s campaign is backed by most of the nation’s traditional parties and by economists who are concerned about the growing levels of debt under the Petro administration and want Colombia to return to more orthodox policies, the Associated Press reported. — Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for orthodox

Recent Examples of Synonyms for orthodox

Adjective

Early acting career Although Turner had no formal training, his raw talent soon caught the eye of several television directors.

— L. Sue Baugh, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
When the Soviet Union collapsed, NATO lost its formal justification.

— JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of formal

Adjective

YouTube has been keen to talk up its partnership with the BBC and other British networks during its time in Edinburgh this week, and positioned itself as friend, not foe to the traditional sector.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026
Perhaps Parton’s most countercultural act was her decision to work and not have children at a time when Reagan’s push for traditional family values took hold of the country.

— Shima Oliaee, Time, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of traditional

Adjective

Partners from The National Park Foundation, Save the Dunes, Friends of Indiana Dunes and Dunes Learning Center joined the National Park Service for the lodge’s ceremonial reopening, welcoming visitors inside for the first time since 1976.

— Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Many lieutenant governors across the country have only ceremonial duties, as their only job is to take over if the governor can’t complete the term.

— Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of ceremonial

Adjective

The result is a motorcycle that looks considerably more like a conventional competition dirt bike than some of the smaller electric machines that have appeared in recent years.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
The approach helps explain markets such as Armenia, which would not necessarily rank near the top of a conventional fashion brand’s expansion list.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of conventional

Adjective

It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
The ones named Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion by the judges make a ceremonious visit at the end of the day to the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa in downtown Denver.

— Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026

Definition of ceremonious

Adjective

Former employees said Monday was coincidentally the day their layoffs from the hospital became official after months of furlough.

— Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Unlike park visitors rafting on the river or camping in the canyon overnight, day hikers do not need an official permit to walk to the canyon trails.

— Michael Loria, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of official

Adjective

The first-place Sox (72-65) head into the final month of the regular season with a three-game lead over the second-place Cleveland Guardians (69-68), who were off on Monday.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Aesha sends Kayley to deal with it, but a regular sink plunger can’t do the job — Nathan has to suction the stuff out with the wet vacuum.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of regular

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orthodox

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“Orthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orthodox. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of orthodox

adjective

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