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
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
In her sophomore special, Berner gets more vulnerable than ever, delving into her unorthodox career path, uncertainty around her future, dating secrets and more.
—
Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 May 2026
The Padres had hinted at perhaps taking unorthodox measures to help navigate the uncertainty with their starting rotation.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The unorthodox updo included a nod to the Greek mythological character Medusa, complete with a knotted snake adorned on the back of Yai’s head.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 6 May 2026
Adding physicality out of possession — through orthodox or unorthodox methods — will give Brighton a greater margin for error in this Premier League landscape and a platform for their in-possession qualities to shine.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
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.
Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 May 2026
The Padres had hinted at perhaps taking unorthodox measures to help navigate the uncertainty with their starting rotation.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The unorthodox updo included a nod to the Greek mythological character Medusa, complete with a knotted snake adorned on the back of Yai’s head.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 6 May 2026
Adding physicality out of possession — through orthodox or unorthodox methods — will give Brighton a greater margin for error in this Premier League landscape and a platform for their in-possession qualities to shine.
—Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Cite this Entry
“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unorthodox. Accessed 9 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unorthodox
adjective
un·or·tho·dox
ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks
ˈən-
: not orthodox : not usual
an unorthodox teaching method
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
