unorthodox
adjective
un·or·tho·dox
ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks 
: not orthodox : different from established or conventional doctrine, or practices, customs, or opinion
unorthodox views/beliefs
She's known for using unorthodox methods to achieve her goals.
unorthodoxly
adverb
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
Designed by the label’s then creative director, Olivier Rousteing, the unorthodox gown was sculpted based on a cast of Tyla’s body, then created out of three different colors of sand mixed with micro-crystal studs, providing extra sparkle down to the tip of her mermaid train.
—
Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026
Legal experts said Silverman’s move to show her hand so early in the case was as unorthodox as Berk’s initial decision to race toward a preliminary hearing.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
In some of her videos, Bruce does unorthodox things to make her inner child happy − like dancing in the aisles of Target, wearing a cape and crown.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Murray’s route to 30 points was unorthodox, going 0-for-8 from 3-point range but making all 16 of his free throw attempts.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
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.
Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026
Legal experts said Silverman’s move to show her hand so early in the case was as unorthodox as Berk’s initial decision to race toward a preliminary hearing.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 29 Apr. 2026
In some of her videos, Bruce does unorthodox things to make her inner child happy − like dancing in the aisles of Target, wearing a cape and crown.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Murray’s route to 30 points was unorthodox, going 0-for-8 from 3-point range but making all 16 of his free throw attempts.
—Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Cite this Entry
“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unorthodox. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unorthodox
adjective
un·or·tho·dox
ˌən-ˈȯr-thə-ˌdäks
ˈən-
: not orthodox : not usual
an unorthodox teaching method
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
