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

The 28-year-old struggled in Amorim’s 4-3-2-1 system, but Carrick has largely used a more orthodox 4-2-3-1 shape since taking over, making room for Rashford on the left side of the forward line. — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Currently, the Kotel has a men’s section and women’s section, which is overseen by the haredi Orthodox Chief Rabbinate, and a nearby egalitarian section, which has been overseen by the non-Orthodox branches since 2016. — Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2026

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