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 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 Robin Williams wore it as the unorthodox poetry teacher in Dead Poets Society; Donald Sutherland donned his own wide-wale version as the burnout professor in Animal House. — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 10 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 Beurre blanc pools in the base of its bowl — an unorthodox addition, perhaps an insurance policy for overall lusciousness, but its presence doesn’t interfere flavor-wise. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 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
  • Fashion brands have been experimenting with livelier and more unconventional footwear designs in general lately, and that means interesting uses of color.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • While Aardvark hinted at Sakurai’s appetite for the unconventional, The Eric Andre Show pushed that instinct further, cementing an approach that continues to inform his work.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of unconventional
Adjective
  • Advertisement China itself offers the greatest modern demonstration of what technological diffusion can accomplish.
    — Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, even after modern jeans were invented in the late 19th century, denim continued to be used to make such apparel as work jackets, prison uniforms, naval fatigues, and jumpsuits.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of modern
Adjective
  • Not surprisingly, Bassetti during his informal conversation discussed the benefits of scale in today’s international TV business.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026
  • However, this is a far cry from earlier times when lawmakers met regularly, participated in spirited and substantive policy discussions, enjoyed informal dinners and even carpooled back home during congressional breaks.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of informal
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
  • Zygielbaum says the highly competitive Congressional District 8 spans both counties with Adams leaning liberal and Weld conservative.
    — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • During Wednesday’s debate, Marshall repeatedly said a Hamilton victory would put Democrats in charge of the Senate and that Hamilton would vote with liberal Democrats.
    — John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 22 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 false polling data from Wedgewood Polls consistently favored Democrats, particularly progressive candidates.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The tension between conservative and progressive Methodists had been simmering for years.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of progressive
Adjective
  • For now, both exhibitors and producers are watching closely to see whether the violence will become a recurring problem in the run-up to the presidential election, with the far right and radical left parties leading in polls.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Preserving our constitutional republic from radical Islam means accepting the costs that come with it—name-calling, threats, and worse.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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