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
While some believe that Trump is merely the conduit for devious legal advisors, his legal advisors say otherwise, giving Trump the credit for pushing them to try unorthodox angles.
—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
9 June 2026
Embarking on the unorthodox production journey was a no-brainer for Lim because of the longevity and durability of the partnership.
—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
9 June 2026
Dan Caine, who replaced Brown as chairman, was considered an especially unorthodox pick.
—
Clint Smith,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
The unorthodox Pratt campaign is almost certain to demand a recount if their candidate doesn’t make the top two and eligibility for November, sources close to events tell Deadline.
—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
9 June 2026
Embarking on the unorthodox production journey was a no-brainer for Lim because of the longevity and durability of the partnership.
—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
9 June 2026
Dan Caine, who replaced Brown as chairman, was considered an especially unorthodox pick.
—
Clint Smith,
The Atlantic,
9 June 2026
The unorthodox Pratt campaign is almost certain to demand a recount if their candidate doesn’t make the top two and eligibility for November, sources close to events tell Deadline.
—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox
Adjective
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Mauricio Pochettino has made the unconventional conventional since taking over as coach of the national team 18 months ago.
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Many shoppers are also moving beyond the classic round brilliant diamond in favor of geometric cuts, elongated shapes and unconventional settings.
Adjective
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The finish is what sells it, and the modern methods aim to look like hair that’s always been there.
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Executive Travel And Leadership The modern executive is, functionally, a professional time-zone crosser.
Adjective
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Here the enduring wisdom of Indian spiritual philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, Ojai’s informal patron saint, serves even to hold a recent incursion of ultra-rich to account.
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These employee-to-owner pipelines and apprenticeship-to-owner transitions marked informal forms of employee ownership.
Adjective
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But cartels and dissident groups still control pockets of the country, cocaine exports are at an all-time high and Colombia remains one of the world's most economically unequal countries.
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The group is a dissident faction of the defunct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.
Adjective
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But the court ruled in February that Republican counter plans violated a Utah referendum prohibiting gerrymandering, solidifying the single district centered on the increasingly liberal Salt Lake City.
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The high court divided 6 to 3 along ideological lines in ruling against Damon Landor, with the three liberal justices in dissent.
Adjective
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The ballerina sneaker trend is just the latest in a line of kooky shoe creations that range from wearable to wildly out-there.
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This is also by far the coolest crowd at the festival, a sea of designer outfits, out-there silhouettes, fresh haircuts, and even bouquets of flowers.
Adjective
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His endorsements are for progressive candidates challenging incumbent Democrats.
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In a crowded field, voters will pick among four candidates who are all different flavors of Democrat, ranging from moderate to much more progressive and aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America.
Adjective
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Conceived as an exercise in radical reduction, the movement reflects a design philosophy that privileges essential structure over accumulation.
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With just seven days to go until their July 2 deadline, proponents of Oregon’s PEACE Act are rushing to gather enough signatures to ensure that the radical hunting and fishing ban makes the ballot.
Cite this Entry
“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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