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
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
Legal experts said Silverman’s move to show her hand so early in the case was as unorthodox as Berk’s initial decision to race toward a preliminary hearing.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
In some of her videos, Bruce does unorthodox things to make her inner child happy − like dancing in the aisles of Target, wearing a cape and crown.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Teaching others has brought a new joy to my creative process because the students always have unorthodox ideas, tossing aside the ‘rules’ that many treat like laws.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 4 May 2026
Legal experts said Silverman’s move to show her hand so early in the case was as unorthodox as Berk’s initial decision to race toward a preliminary hearing.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
In some of her videos, Bruce does unorthodox things to make her inner child happy − like dancing in the aisles of Target, wearing a cape and crown.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Teaching others has brought a new joy to my creative process because the students always have unorthodox ideas, tossing aside the ‘rules’ that many treat like laws.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 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
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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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During the pavilion’s preview, a brief but loud protest led by Russian dissident disruptors Pussy Riot and the Ukrainian feminist group FEMEN might have been the most exciting thing to happen at the underwhelming and carelessly presented group show of live performance and video art.—
Fiona Sinclair Scott,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
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The Biennale has been the stage for numerous protests already since its May 5 preview opening, with dissident Russian artist collective Pussy Riot among the demonstrators.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
8 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
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That’s why the wake is such an out-there sequence.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
European dance music rhythms collide with contemporary hip-hop deliveries and progressive metal bass undertones as if they were always meant to coalesce.—
Miki Hellerbach,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
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While progressive Democrats are pushing to tax billionaires and close corporate loopholes, Republicans are warning that squeezing job creators will severely damage Illinois’ economy.—
Jeremy Gorner,
Chicago Tribune,
11 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 16 May. 2026.
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