heterodox

American  

[het-er-uh-doks] / ˈhɛt ər əˌdɒks /

adjective

1. not in accordance with established or accepted doctrines or opinions, especially in theology; unorthodox.

2. holding unorthodox doctrines or opinions.

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heterodox British  

/ ˈhɛtərəʊˌdɒks /

adjective

1. at variance with established, orthodox, or accepted doctrines or beliefs

2. holding unorthodox opinions

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Other Word Forms

• heterodoxly adverb
• heterodoxy noun

Etymology

Origin of heterodox

1610–20; < Greek heteródoxos of another opinion, equivalent to hetero- hetero- + dóx ( a ) opinion (Compare dokeîn to think, suppose) + -os adj. suffix

Explanation

Heterodox is from the Greek root words heteros, meaning "the other," and doxa, meaning "opinion." The adjective heterodox was first applied to people who held a different religious opinion from the standard beliefs and teachings. Today, although the religious meaning remains, the adjective heterodox can describe someone who adheres to any atypical beliefs, such as scientists who buck the current thinking or politicians who do not toe the party line. The word can be a synonym of heretical, which describes someone with contrary beliefs. If you are a teacher with a heterodox teaching style, you may win over students but alarm your more traditional colleagues.

Example Sentences

So have heterodox types like James Talarico, the Bible-quoting left-wing populist who won the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Weiss took on the role after Paramount acquired her heterodox digital news platform the Free Press.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 8, 2025

It's ironic that the people behind the "cancel culture" discourse call themselves heterodox.

From Salon • Oct. 8, 2024

As Catholic Herald’s Ed Condon explains, the Church opposes Freemasonry because of its secular focus and its role as a sanctuary for “those with heterodox ideas and agendas.”

From National Geographic • Sep. 19, 2023

Even in the present time, when Hindoo society is being profoundly convulsed by heterodox opinions, not a few of my enlightened countrymen observe this religious festival, and spend thousands of rupees on its celebration.

From The Hindoos as they Are A Description of the Manners, Customs and the Inner Life of Hindoo Society in Bengal by Bose, Shib Chunder