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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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
Mamdani’s proposal is hardly the first unorthodox policy experiment New York has considered.
—
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025
And composing for small, sometimes unorthodox ensembles gave his music a clean, transparent signature as opposed to the all-too-typical wall of mud.
—Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Joe Maddon – He’ll forever be remembered as the innovative and unorthodox manager who guided the Chicago Cubs to a once-in-a-lifetime world championship in 2016.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
His unorthodox policy views had a magnifying effect on major global trends that had been well underway before Trump was elected, including the global diffusion of power, rapid and disruptive technological change, and political polarization and policy volatility.
—Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025
And composing for small, sometimes unorthodox ensembles gave his music a clean, transparent signature as opposed to the all-too-typical wall of mud.
—Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Joe Maddon – He’ll forever be remembered as the innovative and unorthodox manager who guided the Chicago Cubs to a once-in-a-lifetime world championship in 2016.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
His unorthodox policy views had a magnifying effect on major global trends that had been well underway before Trump was elected, including the global diffusion of power, rapid and disruptive technological change, and political polarization and policy volatility.
—Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox
Adjective
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In advance of this month’s release of the Happy Gilmore 2, Callaway Golf has unveiled a new limited edition Odyssey hockey stick putter and golf balls inspired by the movie, which showcases the return of funnyman Adam Sandler as a failed hockey player turned unconventional golfer.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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Despite financial insecurity, both parents encouraged their daughters to pursue their dreams, however unconventional — their feminist, progressive spirit guided Earhart like a compass.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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These modern, design-forward homes have shared amenities like a sauna, a cold plunge, a putting green, and a basketball court.—
Abby Price,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
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Even with higher on-average incomes, gay parents face the same challenges of the modern economy as straight ones — from student loan repayments to a carton of eggs.—
Sam Raus,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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Within the outcome document, the drafters champion several strategies to expand domestic tax bases, such as integrating the informal sector into the formal economy and identifying undeclared income and wealth.—
Nana Ama Sarfo,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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Whether for a casual outing, an afternoon of shopping, or even an informal dinner, this combination has the power to transform a simple look into a fashion statement.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Other contenders abroad include the dissident group Mujahedeen e-Khalq, more commonly known as the MEK, which has gained high-profile supporters including the former New York mayor and Trump ally Rudy Giuliani.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
25 June 2025
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Tehran also accuses Iranian expatriates and dissident groups sympathetic to Israel of supporting logistics, communication, and funding.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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The model for these ecosystems comes from Colorado, where in the mid 2000s a liberal donor collective is credited with helping Democrats take and keep control of the statehouse.—
Kayla Dwyer,
IndyStar,
14 July 2025
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The three liberal justices opposed the order, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor writing in dissent.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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For now, there’s nothing quite so out-there, although deer blood is the star ingredient in the final dessert, a chocolate-ish (but cocoa-free) fondant served with hazelnut praline and malt ice cream.—
Ann Abel,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
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An out-there premise, for sure, but one that has so far worked out better than anyone had a right to expect.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Commissioner of Indian Affairs John Collier took a more progressive approach to Native issues.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
13 July 2025
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Last season, 33 per cent of his total carries in the Premier League were progressive, defined as carries greater than five metres and move the ball at least five metres towards the opposition goal — only Jeremy Doku (38 per cent) had a higher share among players who played at least 900 minutes.—
David Ornstein,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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True love for this country has become rarer today, and in fact, radical hatred has become more common.—
Linda McMahon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
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The 1989 drama starred Morgan Freeman as a radical educator tasked with saving a New Jersey high school riddled with gang violence and drug use.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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