maverick
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.”
How to use maverick
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that goes their own way instead of following the usual rules.
Word forms
more maverick comparative, mavericked past tense, mavericks plural, Mavericks plural, mavericks singular, most maverick superlative
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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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for maverick
See all rhymes for 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.
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