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

Leadership like this is unorthodox, perhaps, but many Americans support it, as polls show. —Nicole Russell, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

McDaniel had already been experimenting with unorthodox approaches to coursework. —Lila Shapiro, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026

Guilfoyle took a somewhat unorthodox approach to life as a political consort. —Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026

Her search for an unorthodox aid is what brings her into Signy’s shop, and the rest is future history. —Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 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