unorthodox

adjective

un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks How to pronounce unorthodox (audio)
Synonyms of unorthodoxnext
: 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
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.
An unorthodox pick NASA administrators are typically selected from a pool of scientists, engineers, academics or public servants. Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025 Close also blazed a trail in the mid-aughts by taking major roles on series like The Shield (2005) and Damages (2007–2012), which was unorthodox for A-list film stars at the time. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025 This inexperienced crew of 20-somethings takes on unorthodox jobs to build their brand and pay rent. Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Dec. 2025 Several experts in Egyptology, museums and Rosicrucianism admitted this approach might lead to some discrepancies with mainstream views or curation decisions that are unorthodox. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unorthodox

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unorthodox was in 1629

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Cite this Entry

“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unorthodox. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

unorthodox

adjective
un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks How to pronounce unorthodox (audio)
ˈən-
: not orthodox : not usual
an unorthodox teaching method

More from Merriam-Webster on unorthodox

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