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

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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 All the grumbling about its powertrain and unorthodox styling didn’t stop it from selling out. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026 Covering areas that are usually home to another sport isn’t easy, either, as was shown by the patches of darker grass that again lent the pitch an unorthodox feel. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 30 July 2026 But this isn't the first electronic music fest to introduce fine dining in an unorthodox setting. — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 Convinced the program is failing to teach the girls any real-life skills, Tatum throws out the rulebook and launches her own unorthodox agenda to prepare them for adulthood. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unorthodox

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox

Adjective

Throughout his career, Ackman has built a reputation for taking unconventional positions and backing them with conviction—whether making bold investment bets or weighing in on contentious public debates.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
Arraez immediately validated this unconventional strategy, delivering an RBI single and a double in his impressive Phillies debut.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

The cut is a modern textured crop featuring a forward flow and frosted tips.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Few eclipses in modern times have combined such exceptional duration, reliable weather and globally significant cultural landmarks along the path of totality.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

The informal miners go into the mines to look for leftover deposits to sell.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Lionsgate, home to Rambo, The Hunger Games, and John Wick, has been fielding informal interest for some time, Semafor reported earlier this year, as activists eye the potential takeover target.

— Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

The operation, conducted by the army and the Colombian Aerospace Force in the municipality of Mapiripán, also killed three other members of the dissident group, De la Espriella said Sunday.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
On July 19, Cuban artist and dissident Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara arrived in Miami after a period when his whereabouts remained unknown following his release from Guanajay Prison.

— News Desk, Artforum, 21 July 2026

Definition of dissident

Adjective

Tottenham Hotspur starting the transfer window as the Premier League’s most liberal and audacious spenders feels like a long time ago.

— Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Just this week, Russia’s supreme court blocked Yabloko, the only remaining liberal, anti-war party on the ballot for parliamentary elections, from running.

— Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

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
The classic straight-leg silhouette is relaxed throughout, providing ease and movement to the style, balancing the more out-there design details.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 28 June 2026

Definition of out-there

Adjective

Many fans have been playing the game for years and aren't necessarily into a radical change on such a huge mechanic like catching passes.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
His platform—Medicare for All, student debt cancellation, and a wealth tax—was radical by American standards and entirely conventional by the standards of most rich democracies.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of unorthodox

adjective

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