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

In the special — watch a clip above — Morril tackles his worst one-night stand gone wrong, the dark humor of infamous assassinations, his bizarrely unorthodox war against rats, and more. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Wanting to leave a trace of his own musical fingerprint amid all that classical formality, McCartney insisted on an unorthodox bluesy note in the cello line that Martin warned wasn’t in keeping with the baroque style. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

Johannès and Janelle Salaün (Valkyries) are some of the most willing shooters in the world, and their unorthodox shot releases keep good defense from deterring them. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Kerouac's agent, Sterling Lord, spent years trying to attract interest in Kerouac's jazzy, unorthodox tale before Viking signed it up, for an advance of $1,000. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 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