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

Covering areas that are usually home to another sport isn’t easy, either, as was shown by the patches of darker grass that again lent the pitch an unorthodox feel. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 30 July 2026

The vehicle’s unorthodox design may be the object of ridicule online, but that doesn’t seem to have scared buyers away—yet. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 30 July 2026

So, buckle up for a ride on the wilder and more unorthodox side of the cinematic spectrum as THR presents its look at some of the more unusual-sounding films at Locarno79. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026

But this isn't the first electronic music fest to introduce fine dining in an unorthodox setting. — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unorthodox

• heterodox
• homeobox
• aftershocks
• chatterbox
• chickenpox
• equinox
• firebox
• goldilocks
• hollyhocks
• interlocks
• orthodox
• paradox

Kids Definition

unorthodox

adjective

un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks 

ˈən-

: not orthodox : not usual

an unorthodox teaching method