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

This led some agencies, such as the Department of Energy, to apply unorthodox practices, including closing out pending requests. —David Cuillier, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026

All the while, each vignette feels simultaneously familiar and alien, at once classically old-fashioned and brazenly unorthodox. —Sezin Devi Keohler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026

Given that another salary-cap catapult is in store this summer, the deadline might be the right time for the often unorthodox Verbeek to shop for a big-ticket item. —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026

The situation in Utah was especially conducive to unorthodox lineups, as Adelman was game-planning without his top four forwards. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unorthodox

• heterodox
• homeobox
• aftershocks
• chatterbox
• equinox
• goldilocks
• hollyhocks
• interlocks
• orthodox
• paradox
• tomahawks
• balks

Kids Definition

unorthodox

adjective

un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks 

ˈən-

: not orthodox : not usual

an unorthodox teaching method