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

Since the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey reversed its unorthodox monetary policy in mid-2023 and embarked on an aggressive tightening cycle, lending rates have reached punishing levels. —Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2026

But the unorthodox feature, which the Austrian company has previously used on gravel and mountain models, does serve more of a purpose than simply looking good. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2026

Trump’s unorthodox approach to the war in Ukraine has added a twist to the relationship but doesn’t appear to have fundamentally changed it. —ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

The decision by the federal prosecutors to visit the renovation site is highly unorthodox. —Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 15 Apr. 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