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

The crispy beef tacos are a perennial craving, but other unorthodox tacos tempt, too. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Now scientists are turning to more unorthodox approaches, including psilocybin therapy. — Alexandra Pattillo, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026

In the first season, he was met with resistance on all fronts to his unorthodox methods of coaching, his ignorance of the sport, his sheer Americanness. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026

All the grumbling about its powertrain and unorthodox styling didn’t stop it from selling out. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 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