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

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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

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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

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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 The unorthodox generator engine, which powered all types of workhorse vehicles between 1959 and 1991, sits neatly inside its wheeled cart. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 19 Aug. 2026 In a statement, the district attorney’s office didn’t rule out the unorthodox move and called on more witnesses in the case to come forward. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 The unorthodox approach raises questions for the Reeder family about police’s investigative strategy. — Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026 The Celtics will play in the opening game of the 2026-27 NBA season — and that game will feature a highly unorthodox start time. — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unorthodox

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox

Adjective

Screening the electron interactions weakened and ultimately eliminated superconductivity, supporting an unconventional mechanism for electron pairing.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
Inspired by the unconventional materials and craftsmanship of studio jewelry, the couple fell in love with art jewelry as collectible material culture.

— Livia Caligor, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Language in your next lease renewal covering accent walls, hardware swaps or pre-move-out inspections, a signal that landlords are formalizing what has been an informal negotiation.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2026
In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) — an informal cooperation between the maritime bodies of 18 shipping nations across the globe — noted that more than 80% of global trade is transported by sea.

— Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

In addition to sharing that expertise with Mexican cartels, the use of drones in Colombia has also become commonplace among FARC dissident groups.

— Sol Amaya, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
The film, which runs at a staggering 165 minutes, took dissident director Khrzhanovsky two decades to make.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of dissident

Adjective

As November approaches, a liberal alternative to AIPAC in pro-Israel advocacy is ratcheting up its efforts to counter that influence.

— Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2026
Other, more liberal candidates, have positioned themselves as willing to stand up and hold Kennedy accountable.

— Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

They’re made from a faux leather that, frankly, looks really expensive, and are available in 20 colors, including some more out-there prints.

— Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 17 Aug. 2026
Guitarist Adam Turay and trumpeter Ryan Easter both come from the jazzier side of the tracks, the former playing with Afro-R&B group the Narcotix, the latter with more out-there units like WRENS.

— Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026

Definition of out-there

Adjective

His progressive pass zones, shaded most darkly near the halfway line in the opposition half, underline where Bard felt most comfortable passing from for Nice last term.

— Beren Cross, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Rachel Yve, who posted a 20-minute somatic sleep support session on InsightTimer, blends somatic exercises, breathwork and progressive muscle relaxation, including legs up the wall.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

Although his party is known for its pro-Russian and anti-immigration positions and other radical stances, Siegmund has avoided making extreme statements and presents himself as a man of the people.

— Geir Moulson, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026
Cho herself prepared by consulting the late master of the form, Frederick Wiseman, who was unabashed about the tension between documentary filmaking’s often radical politics and the privilege required to turn it into a profession.

— Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of radical

Browse Nearby Words

unornamented

unorthodox

unorthodoxy

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“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of unorthodox

adjective

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