UNORTHODOX Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

unorthodox

adjective

ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks

Definition of unorthodox

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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 See All Example Sentences for unorthodox

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox

Adjective

Following the unconventional orders from his doctor, Kathryn agrees to help trigger Rob’s memory by retracing their romance and reintroducing him to the holidays.

— Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
Innovation means finding new, sometimes unconventional solutions to address real needs.

— Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Think medieval meets modern--less clunky Louis XVIth and more comfy armchair, with Kingsdown mattresses that are simply divine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026
From there, Inoue wanted to create a brand that felt modern, sophisticated, but also holistic in also embracing one’s overall wellbeing, which led her to fermentation.

— Kati Chitrakorn, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The head of the United Kingdom’s MI5 spy agency said Iran is trying to strike military sites in Britain, going beyond the traditional targets of dissident Iranians.

— Jared Gans, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2026
The regime transmuted its coercive force into political legitimacy through the spectacular destruction of dissident bodies, restoring reverence for the Eagle.

— Abdelrahman ElGendy, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissident

Adjective

Matsui, meanwhile, has tried to carefully navigate keeping her moderate Democrat base while appealing to Republicans who might view Vang as too liberal for the district.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Remembering Dolores Huerta The fiery and resolute activist who helped launch and guide the nation’s first enduring labor union for poor farmworkers, and later became an inspiration to women and liberal true believers, has died.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

None of it feels remotely tied to the zeitgeist, instead showing an artist galvanized by their own out-there proclivities and exhilarated by the limitations of whatever ramshackle gear might be lying around a home studio.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
For music this uncompromising and out-there, the process is just as, if not more, important as the result.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of out-there

Adjective

Both already serve as the ranking members of their respective committees, and Warren, in particular, has found success pursuing progressive policy priorities despite Republicans running Washington.

— David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Oct. 2026
And in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed has narrowly won the Democratic Senate nomination, a victory for the party's progressive wing.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressive

Browse Nearby Words

unornamented

unorthodox

unorthodoxy

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of unorthodox

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

candidate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Old-Timey Vehicles

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes