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

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

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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 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

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

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

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

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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“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unorthodox

adjective

Example Sentences

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