Synonyms of orthodox

orthodox

adjective

ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks 

1

as in formal

following or agreeing with established form, custom, or rules

schoolteachers tended to favor poets who followed a very orthodox style of poetry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• formal
• ceremonial
• conventional
• ceremonious
• official
• regular
• correct
• routine
• proper
• polite
• decorous
• authorized
• ritual
• certified
• systematic
• accepted
• respectable
• sanctioned
• methodical
• ritualistic
• orderly
• formalistic
• genteel
• nice
• seemly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• informal
• unorthodox
• casual
• unconventional
• irregular
• unauthorized
• unofficial
• freewheeling
• improper
• inappropriate
• unceremonious
• incorrect
• unsuitable
• unhappy
• unfit
• unseemly
• unbecoming
• inept
• infelicitous
• indecorous
• graceless
• unapt

2

as in traditional

tending to favor established ideas, conditions, or institutions

orthodox in their view of the world, the Founding Fathers subscribed to the 18th-century notion that only men with property should be allowed to vote

Synonyms & Similar Words

• traditional
• conservative
• conventional
• loyal
• traditionalistic
• reactionary
• ultraconservative
• faithful
• staunch
• old-line
• old-school
• hidebound
• unprogressive
• old-fashioned
• archconservative
• steadfast
• die-hard
• devoted
• true
• standpat
• paleoconservative
• mossbacked
• button-down
• square
• neoconservative
• brassbound
• true-blue
• steady
• stodgy
• right-wing
• Tory
• ossified
• ultraright
• ultrarightist
• antimodern
• antiliberal
• right
• antiprogressive
• dowdy
• fogyish
• antirevolutionary
• blimpish
• set
• fuddy-duddy
• antireform

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberal
• nontraditional
• progressive
• unorthodox
• nonconventional
• unconventional
• nonconservative
• radical
• revolutionary
• extremist
• broad-minded
• open-minded
• modern
• antiestablishment
• contemporary
• nonconformist
• large-minded
• advanced
• nonorthodox
• antitraditional
• anticonventional
• lefty
• ultraleft
• ultraleftist
• ultraradical
• ultraprogressive

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of orthodox

Valencia’s campaign is backed by most of the nation’s traditional parties and by economists who are concerned about the growing levels of debt under the Petro administration and want Colombia to return to more orthodox policies, the Associated Press reported. — Armando Regil Velasco, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026

While the country's Orthodox religious authorities still refuse to officially ordain women as rabbis, this opportunity could open doors to other leadership roles. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 May 2026

Later immigrants were Orthodox Jews from eastern Europe, and while not initially included in the club, some did later become members. — Arkansas Online, 23 May 2026

The organization also works closely with and funds another nonprofit group, Oorah, which runs summer Orthodox camps in the tristate area and organizes annual trips to Israel for 17- and 18-year-olds. — Francie Ebert, NBC news, 18 May 2026