maverick
9 synonyms and 5 antonyms for maverick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who thinks and acts independently, refusing to follow the usual rules or conventions of their group.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use maverick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Named after Samuel Maverick, a 19th-century Texan rancher and politician who famously refused to brand his cattle, letting them roam unmarked — his name became a word for anyone who won't follow the herd.
Full origin of maverick →Frequently asked questions
What does “maverick” mean?
The word “maverick” means a person who thinks and acts independently, refusing to follow the usual rules or conventions of their group. In plain terms, someone (or something) that goes their own way instead of following the usual rules.
How do you pronounce “maverick”?
“Maverick” is pronounced MA-vuh-rihk (/ˈmævəɹɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “maverick” in a sentence?
Here is “maverick” used in a sentence: “She was seen as a maverick in the industry, ignoring convention to build her own kind of company.”
What is another word for “maverick”?
Words with a similar meaning to “maverick” include eccentric, free spirit, heteroclite, deviant, deviate and individualist.
What is the opposite of “maverick”?
The opposite of “maverick” — its antonyms — are dogmatist, formalist, pedant, stickler and traditionalist.
What part of speech is “maverick”?
Depending on how it is used, “maverick” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “maverick” come from?
The word “maverick” dates back to around 1800. Named after Samuel Maverick, a 19th-century Texan rancher and politician who famously refused to brand his cattle, letting them roam unmarked — his name became a word for anyone who won't follow the herd.
Is “maverick” a common word?
“Maverick” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.