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
Thompson's unorthodox goaltending style, featuring a wide stance and active hands, has worked effectively throughout his first season in Washington.
—
Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
The idea – which is perhaps the most direct, most obvious, yet most often overlooked – focuses on pulling information from more unorthodox sources.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
The idea – which is perhaps the most direct, most obvious, yet most often overlooked – focuses on pulling information from more unorthodox sources.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for unorthodox
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unorthodox
Adjective
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Guests flocked to the espresso martini bar (which concealed a secret door leading to a private lounge where a few discreetly slipped away) or lounged in the outdoor living room, where swinging beds served as unconventional seating.—
Jamila Stewart,
Vogue,
1 Mar. 2025
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However, the path to gaining such a naturalized vision of peace requires us to revisit some of the lessons of unconventional diplomacy that consider broader planetary imperatives of sustainability.—
Saleem H. Ali,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Outside of its minimalist design, the piece measures 13.5 inches high and is made from solid wood for a look that pairs well with any home style, especially the rustic modern farmhouse aesthetic.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
19 Feb. 2025
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Presenting extraordinary eyewear collections, that highlight the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics.—
Thomas Waller,
WWD,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Many fundamental aspects of teamwork—such as spontaneous collaboration, real-time feedback and informal bonding—are harder to cultivate in a virtual environment.—
Daria Rudnik,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
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Its core concepts were rooted in intuition and informal arguments, rather than precise, formal definitions.—
Solomon Adams,
WIRED,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Politics Trump won’t punish Saudi Arabia or its crown prince for killing of dissident journalist Nov. 20, 2018 Saudi Arabia does, however, rely predominantly on U.S.-made weapons and defense systems, which could be a part of the investment.—
Jon Gambrell,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Jan. 2025
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The most significant package came in February 2024, when Biden announced over 500 new sanctions against Moscow, prompted both by the invasion and the death of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The administration has accused USAID’s programs of being wasteful and promoting a liberal agenda.—
Ellen Knickmayer and Lindsay Whitehurst,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2025
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The liberal economic reforms spearheaded by President Javier Milei have sent ripples through global financial markets, attracting both optimism and skepticism.—
Gianluca Sidoti,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Paired with these out-there visuals are rather poignant subtitles as Noah ponders time and grief, ultimately leading him to embrace the present and enjoy every moment with the doll before losing track of him.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
21 Feb. 2025
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Despite their myriad out-there elements, his books were often optioned for films, but only one was ever made — Gus Van Sant’s 1993 adaptation of Cowgirls, which was a critical and commercial flop.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Setting up your trusts in states that are leaders in modifying trust laws in progressive ways to address tax law and other changes from the inception of the trust can prove advantageous for the reasons illustrated in the preceding paragraph.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
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And there’s something deceptively progressive in those stories.—
Eliana Dockterman,
TIME,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Bongino, like many new leaders across the Trump Administration including Patel, represents a radical departure from tradition for his role.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
TIME,
24 Feb. 2025
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That will require Penix to develop into a top-10 quarterback and a radical upgrade on defense.—
Josh Kendall,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unorthodox.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unorthodox. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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