1
as in unconventional
deviating from commonly accepted beliefs or practices
a time when people with unorthodox religious views were banished from the colony
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in modern
not bound by traditional ways or beliefs
raised by an aunt, whose unorthodox parenting practices made for a strange but fun childhood
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3
as in informal
not rigidly following established form, custom, or rules
an unorthodox but effective procedure for opening a wine bottle without a corkscrew
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unorthodox
Blue Bell Knoll was also the band’s first Billboard 200 entry, and a major step forward for the band’s unorthodox pop smarts.
—
Al Shipley, SPIN, 12 May 2026
The Padres had hinted at perhaps taking unorthodox measures to help navigate the uncertainty with their starting rotation.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The unorthodox updo included a nod to the Greek mythological character Medusa, complete with a knotted snake adorned on the back of Yai’s head.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 6 May 2026
Four Seasons has both a kids’ club and teens’ club on the ship, which is not surprising for the brand—but definitely a bit unorthodox in the world of luxury cruises.
—Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Al Shipley, SPIN, 12 May 2026
The Padres had hinted at perhaps taking unorthodox measures to help navigate the uncertainty with their starting rotation.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The unorthodox updo included a nod to the Greek mythological character Medusa, complete with a knotted snake adorned on the back of Yai’s head.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 6 May 2026
Four Seasons has both a kids’ club and teens’ club on the ship, which is not surprising for the brand—but definitely a bit unorthodox in the world of luxury cruises.
—Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox
Adjective
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Yet, intriguingly, there’s also been scattered rumors about how his unconventional campaign can be turned into TV content that harkens back to his MTV days.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
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That’s an act of service in an animation landscape where most American studios fear crafting anything remotely unconventional or unequivocally adult-oriented.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Of course, modern touches like bedside power ports and espresso machines are also in place.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 May 2026
-
Vimala Pons, in strawberry-blonde bangs, is a striking actor who plays Irène as the new modern woman.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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And Democratic operatives have begun informal discussions about recruiting a new chair, even as most believe that Martin's job isn't in serious jeopardy ahead of the midterm elections.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
13 May 2026
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Lepoutre said Chapiron’s project is inspired by real cases in France involving young women who set themselves up as informal practitioners, offering discounted Botox and injections with dubious products.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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And major Russian language book fairs, focused on dissident literature, are becoming more common across Europe.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
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The opening up of the submission process for the category has been largely applauded by the international film community, especially dissident filmmakers at odds with their governments who never stood a stand chance of representing their countries.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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Lean into that savory flavor with a liberal pour of olive brine.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 May 2026
-
The liberal mind is fascinating.—
Emily Hallas,
The Washington Examiner,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
As a performer, these characters are out-there.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
-
That’s why the wake is such an out-there sequence.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Like some progressive consensus at the center, but that's not there.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
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But California pushes its progressive tax system to the extreme.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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Britain’s markets have appeared shaky as rumors of a contest have swirled, which may give those who favor a more radical approach pause for thought.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
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Revisiting the groundbreaking feminist performance art movement in 1970s Los Angeles, one artist spotlights the inspirational, transformational, radical community exploding the narrative and status quo.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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