noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

maverick

MA-vuh-rihk

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Maverick (noun) means a person who thinks and acts independently, refusing to follow the usual rules or conventions of their group. Example: “She was seen as a maverick in the industry, ignoring convention to build her own kind of company.”

noun

A person who thinks and acts independently, refusing to follow the usual rules or conventions of their group.

"She was seen as a maverick in the industry, ignoring convention to build her own kind of company."

"The senator built a reputation as a political maverick."

adj

Independent-minded and unwilling to conform.

"His maverick approach to filmmaking won him both fans and critics."

How to use maverick

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that goes their own way instead of following the usual rules.

Common pairings

a political maverick maverick approach lone maverick

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: mavericks
Third person singular: mavericks
Past tense: mavericked
Comparative: more maverick
Superlative: most maverick

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was seen as a _____ in the industry, ignoring convention to build her own kind of company.

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.

· First attested 1800

Class of 1800 maverick joined the language around 1800.

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Synonyms

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rebel irregular unorthodox eccentric free spirit heteroclite deviant deviate individualist misfit nonconformist offbeat

Antonyms

dogmatist formalist pedant stickler traditionalist

Related words

second type character strange temporary insane vary rebel

Rhymes for maverick

Erick limerick Roderick Frederick Broderick

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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.

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