out-of-the-box

ADVERB

from the very beginning

Synonyms

STRONGEST

immediately right away right off the bat straight off straightaway without delay

ADVERB

in an unconventional way

Synonyms

STRONGEST

outside the box

WEAK

differently in a different way in a new way

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Today, the out-of-the-box strategy is running into problems.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Other bonuses: a fine dining restaurant, L’Oursin, and a menu of out-of-the-box wellness offerings, such as Kundalini meditation and Reiki.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

But the e-points scheme is typical of the way Ukraine has fought this war: creative, out-of-the-box thinking designed to make the most of the country's innovative skills and minimise the effect of its numerical disadvantage.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2025

“I wanted something out-of-the-box for my daughter and I tailored the learning just for her,” Perales said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

“It’s a good thing to be an out-of-the-box thinker. People like that are world-changers.”

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt