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

Health clinics that rely on the Title X program have received their government funding for the year, following a chaotic and unorthodox application process that led to a brief delay and widespread fears that services would have to be paused. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026

This is an unorthodox event, even for the eclectic, up-for-anything Miller. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Apr. 2026

There are two elements to DeLauter’s swing, Fink said, that make something that looks so unorthodox work so proficiently. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Black paired up with Marcello Hernández to play martial arts instructors who teach unorthodox self-defense methods. —Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 5 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