unorthodox

adjective

un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks 

: 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

• unconventional
• dissident
• out-there

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

Bridgers capped off the unorthodox rollout by hosting worldwide release-week listening parties at planetariums. — Christine Werthman, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026

Belichick and Deion Sanders were two unorthodox hires, given the keys to Power 4 programs despite zero FBS coaching experience in part because of their name recognition. — David Ubben, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

But, to be fair, there were indeed some unkind comments online and none of those are apparent when other performers take unorthodox approaches to the national anthem, such as performing it with bagpipes. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

And what if, having been shown the error of their ways, the unorthodox individuals refused to change? — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unorthodox

• heterodox
• homeobox
• aftershocks
• chatterbox
• chickenpox
• equinox
• firebox
• goldilocks
• hollyhocks
• interlocks
• orthodox
• paradox

Kids Definition

unorthodox

adjective

un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks 

ˈən-

: not orthodox : not usual

an unorthodox teaching method