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 In the special — watch a clip above — Morril tackles his worst one-night stand gone wrong, the dark humor of infamous assassinations, his bizarrely unorthodox war against rats, and more. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026 Wanting to leave a trace of his own musical fingerprint amid all that classical formality, McCartney insisted on an unorthodox bluesy note in the cello line that Martin warned wasn’t in keeping with the baroque style. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 Kerouac's agent, Sterling Lord, spent years trying to attract interest in Kerouac's jazzy, unorthodox tale before Viking signed it up, for an advance of $1,000. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 The property’s unorthodox form also proved to be useful during the NBA Finals in June, when a pizzeria projected games onto the side of the building. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unorthodox

Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox

Adjective

As with their other current CBS hit Elsbeth — and unlike their more creatively unconventional streaming shows The Good Fight and Evil — Cupertino sands down some of the Kings’ jagged edges, aiming for something cuter.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026
He was known for intense performances and roles that often portrayed complex or unconventional characters.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of unconventional

Adjective

Today, the hotel remains a grand dame of Milan, offering a perfect mix of old-world luxury with modern amenities, all delivered through impeccable hospitality.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
All four getting in is probably impossible; even three Best Picture nominations for a single studio is extremely rare in the modern era.

— Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of modern

Adjective

Despite this informal, jam-forward approach, however, Silk Fence appear to be chasing something; an understated but steady coherence gives direction to even their most wandering moments.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 Oct. 2026
In practice, that might mean designing for informal meetings as well as formal ones.

— Brendan Castle, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

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
In January 1977 the writer, dissident, and future president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel, was arrested by the Communist regime for his part in organizing the groundbreaking Czechoslovak human rights initiative, Charter 77.

— Václav Havel, The New York Review of Books, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of dissident

Adjective

There’s an irony in this prominent liberal writer’s lack of interest in actual politics—in any kind of collective solidarity that might extend beyond the county line.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
The sports media rarely treats athletes who espouse liberal or progressive political views as problematic, even when those views are provocative, divisive, or factually incorrect.

— Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of liberal

Adjective

Because the movie shies away from condemnation, it has been labeled by some as a MAGA film for supposedly demonizing progressive Norway and making the conservative Gheorghius the victims.

— Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
This ingredient targets the hormonal driver behind progressive thinning.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of progressive

Adjective

Omani officials knew of al-Hammami’s interest in radical Islamism but failed to flag their concerns; flydubai never checked his record with the Omani authorities.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 10 Oct. 2026
Beyond sheer size, the vessel introduced one of the most radical sailing systems the industry had ever seen.

— Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of radical

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unornamented

unorthodox

unorthodoxy

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“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of unorthodox

adjective

Example Sentences

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