1
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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2
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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3
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unorthodox
Mamdani’s proposal is hardly the first unorthodox policy experiment New York has considered.
—
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025
And composing for small, sometimes unorthodox ensembles gave his music a clean, transparent signature as opposed to the all-too-typical wall of mud.
—Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Joe Maddon – He’ll forever be remembered as the innovative and unorthodox manager who guided the Chicago Cubs to a once-in-a-lifetime world championship in 2016.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
His unorthodox policy views had a magnifying effect on major global trends that had been well underway before Trump was elected, including the global diffusion of power, rapid and disruptive technological change, and political polarization and policy volatility.
—Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 July 2025
And composing for small, sometimes unorthodox ensembles gave his music a clean, transparent signature as opposed to the all-too-typical wall of mud.
—Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Joe Maddon – He’ll forever be remembered as the innovative and unorthodox manager who guided the Chicago Cubs to a once-in-a-lifetime world championship in 2016.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
His unorthodox policy views had a magnifying effect on major global trends that had been well underway before Trump was elected, including the global diffusion of power, rapid and disruptive technological change, and political polarization and policy volatility.
—Rebecca Lissner, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox
Adjective
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In advance of this month’s release of the Happy Gilmore 2, Callaway Golf has unveiled a new limited edition Odyssey hockey stick putter and golf balls inspired by the movie, which showcases the return of funnyman Adam Sandler as a failed hockey player turned unconventional golfer.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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Despite financial insecurity, both parents encouraged their daughters to pursue their dreams, however unconventional — their feminist, progressive spirit guided Earhart like a compass.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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To make the style a little more modern, consider a light and airy approach, pairing pastel floral patterns with antique pieces that have authentic patina.—
Tessa Cooper,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 July 2025
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It's been 100 years, and echoes of the controversial Scopes Monkey Trial, which pitted modern science against creationism, can still be heard around the world and seen in Dayton, TN, the heart of the trial.—
Laura L. Davis,
The Tennessean,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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Within the outcome document, the drafters champion several strategies to expand domestic tax bases, such as integrating the informal sector into the formal economy and identifying undeclared income and wealth.—
Nana Ama Sarfo,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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Whether for a casual outing, an afternoon of shopping, or even an informal dinner, this combination has the power to transform a simple look into a fashion statement.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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Other contenders abroad include the dissident group Mujahedeen e-Khalq, more commonly known as the MEK, which has gained high-profile supporters including the former New York mayor and Trump ally Rudy Giuliani.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
25 June 2025
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Tehran also accuses Iranian expatriates and dissident groups sympathetic to Israel of supporting logistics, communication, and funding.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Adjective
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With the three liberal justices in dissent, the court on Monday paused an order from U.S. District Judge Myong Joun in Boston, who issued a preliminary injunction reversing the layoffs and calling into question the broader plan.—
Mark Sherman,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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In 2023, the court flipped to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years with the election of Justice Janet Protasiewicz.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Guests did not shy from donning some of the designer’s more out-there creations.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
9 July 2025
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Plus, not all pre-employment tests are as out-there as Olive Garden’s and FedEx’s.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 July 2025
Adjective
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Commissioner of Indian Affairs John Collier took a more progressive approach to Native issues.—
Debra Utacia Krol,
AZCentral.com,
13 July 2025
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Common sense and history have shown us that neither of those things can be fixed by simply adopting laissez-faire capitalism and calling it progressive.—
Lorena Gonzalez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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True love for this country has become rarer today, and in fact, radical hatred has become more common.—
Linda McMahon,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 July 2025
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Student activists and radical thinkers were desperate to reform and strengthen China.—
Emily Feng,
NPR,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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