unorthodox

adjective

ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks How to pronounce unorthodox (audio)
Definition of unorthodoxnext
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

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 Bridgers capped off the unorthodox rollout by hosting worldwide release-week listening parties at planetariums. — Christine Werthman, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026 Belichick and Deion Sanders were two unorthodox hires, given the keys to Power 4 programs despite zero FBS coaching experience in part because of their name recognition. — David Ubben, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 But, to be fair, there were indeed some unkind comments online and none of those are apparent when other performers take unorthodox approaches to the national anthem, such as performing it with bagpipes. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 And what if, having been shown the error of their ways, the unorthodox individuals refused to change? — Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox
  1. unconventional
  2. modern
  3. informal
  4. dissident
  5. liberal
  6. out-there
  7. progressive
  8. radical
Adjective
  • As with their other current CBS hit Elsbeth — and unlike their more creatively unconventional streaming shows The Good Fight and Evil — Cupertino sands down some of the Kings’ jagged edges, aiming for something cuter.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
  • He was known for intense performances and roles that often portrayed complex or unconventional characters.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • Today, the hotel remains a grand dame of Milan, offering a perfect mix of old-world luxury with modern amenities, all delivered through impeccable hospitality.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • All four getting in is probably impossible; even three Best Picture nominations for a single studio is extremely rare in the modern era.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of modern
Adjective
  • Filmmaker Ava DuVernay chose Milton Rogovin’s informal, untitled portrait of a beautiful young Buffalo woman from his East Side, 1961-63 collection.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Second, the agency can issue formal or informal warning letters threatening consequences if a violation is not remedied.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of informal
Adjective
  • 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
  • In January 1977 the writer, dissident, and future president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel, was arrested by the Communist regime for his part in organizing the groundbreaking Czechoslovak human rights initiative, Charter 77.
    — Václav Havel, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of dissident
Adjective
  • There’s an irony in this prominent liberal writer’s lack of interest in actual politics—in any kind of collective solidarity that might extend beyond the county line.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The sports media rarely treats athletes who espouse liberal or progressive political views as problematic, even when those views are provocative, divisive, or factually incorrect.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 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
  • The idea that criminals could serve sentences behind bars was a more progressive approach to justice in comparison.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Vang, 41, is one of several younger and progressive challengers seeking to oust longtime incumbents across the country.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of progressive
Adjective
  • Omani officials knew of al-Hammami’s interest in radical Islamism but failed to flag their concerns; flydubai never checked his record with the Omani authorities.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond sheer size, the vessel introduced one of the most radical sailing systems the industry had ever seen.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of radical

Browse Nearby Words

unornamented
unorthodox
unorthodoxy
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Cite this Entry

“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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