Synonyms of unorthodox

unorthodox

adjective

ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks 

1

as in unconventional

deviating from commonly accepted beliefs or practices

a time when people with unorthodox religious views were banished from the colony

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unconventional
• dissident
• out-there
• dissenting
• heretical
• iconoclastic
• maverick
• nonconformist
• heterodox
• nontraditional
• separatist
• dissentient
• nonorthodox
• sectarian
• freethinking
• free-spirited
• renegade
• apostate
• schismatic
• defecting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conventional
• orthodox
• conformist
• conforming

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unconventional
• modern
• liberal
• progressive
• radical
• contemporary
• nontraditional
• nonconventional
• advanced
• nonorthodox
• broad-minded
• open-minded
• extreme
• lenient
• permissive
• tolerant
• impartial
• unbiased
• large-minded
• indulgent
• forbearing
• objective

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• traditional
• conventional
• conservative
• orthodox
• rigid
• old-fashioned
• strict
• hard
• dogmatic
• stodgy
• hidebound
• doctrinal
• nonprogressive
• intolerant
• bigoted
• reactionary
• narrow-minded
• blinkered
• unreconstructed

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unconventional
• informal
• heterodox
• unofficial
• irregular
• unauthorized
• unceremonious
• casual
• relaxed
• familiar
• easygoing
• free and easy
• offhand
• lax
• ultracasual
• loose

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• conventional
• regular
• formal
• orthodox
• routine
• ceremonial
• proper
• correct
• rigid
• ceremonious
• stiff
• restrained
• decorous
• inhibited
• uptight
• constrained
• stuffy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unorthodox

In a different era, such an arrangement was seen as unorthodox. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026

In that Comedy Central show, Fielder played a would-be business consultant who attempted to help real business owners by proposing unorthodox solutions to market their services. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Although his roles were ostensibly romantic leads, Astaire had an almost radically unorthodox appeal—one that, in its urbanity, cosmopolitanism, elegance, and grace, challenged the prevailing standards for male movie stardom. — David Hajdu, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026

This chaos, though, turned into order when the team processed their data in a slightly unorthodox way. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 10 Oct. 2026