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.
But Berk’s push to move quickly is unorthodox. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Murray’s route to 30 points was unorthodox, going 0-for-8 from 3-point range but making all 16 of his free throw attempts. Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026 Teaching others has brought a new joy to my creative process because the students always have unorthodox ideas, tossing aside the ‘rules’ that many treat like laws. Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026 Notably, the weekend psychedelics push came at the behest of influential podcaster Joe Rogan — who offered him a large audience ahead of the 2024 election — and leaders of the Make America Healthy Again movement, part of the White House’s unorthodox political coalition. Daniel Payne, STAT, 18 Apr. 2026 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 Apr. 2026.

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

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