unorthodox

adjective

un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks 

: not orthodox

unorthodoxly adverb

Synonyms

• dissentient
• dissenting
• dissident
• heretical
• heretic
• heterodox
• iconoclastic
• maverick
• nonconformist
• nonorthodox
• out-there
• unconventional

Examples of unorthodox in a Sentence

a time when people with unorthodox religious views were banished from the colony

raised by an aunt, whose unorthodox parenting practices made for a strange but fun childhood

Recent Examples on the Web

With the leadership race still ongoing, Dhalla's candidacy presents an unorthodox alternative to the more traditional approaches taken by other candidates. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025

Zoom in: Trump has alarmed allies with his unorthodox approach to foreign policy, real estate diplomacy and land acquisitions — and sometimes all three. —Axios, 13 Feb. 2025

The 25-year-old’s unorthodox skill set and two-way sturdiness have been apparent in every one of those games — most prominently a 14-point, nine-assist performance Monday to help Denver trounce the Trail Blazers. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2025

The unorthodox approach to festival lineup announcements aligns with Warped Tour’s mission to highlight smaller, up-and-coming artists. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1629, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unorthodox

adjective

un·​or·​tho·​dox ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks 

ˈən-

: not orthodox : not usual

an unorthodox teaching method