1
Core meaning
An independent-minded person who rejects a group's usual rules, positions, or conventions.
Example
The designer was celebrated as a maverick who ignored prevailing styles.
maverick
/ˈmævərɪk/ · MAV-uh-riknoun
An independent-minded person who rejects a group's usual rules, positions, or conventions.
Use maverick to express this relationship precisely: an independent-minded person who rejects a group's usual rules, positions, or conventions.
What maverick Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
A party maverick opposed the proposal despite pressure from colleagues.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
Her independence made her a maverick within the institution.
Use maverick Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The designer was celebrated as a maverick who ignored prevailing styles.
A party maverick opposed the proposal despite pressure from colleagues.
Her independence made her a maverick within the institution.
Precision Matters
Maverick overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
maverick
vs.Means an independent-minded person who rejects a group's usual rules, positions, or conventions.
iconoclast
Means a person who challenges or attacks established beliefs, traditions, institutions, or admired figures.
maverick
vs.Means an independent-minded person who rejects a group's usual rules, positions, or conventions.
unconventional
Means not conforming to what is generally done, expected, or believed.
maverick
vs.Means an independent-minded person who rejects a group's usual rules, positions, or conventions.
orthodox
Means conforming to an established or generally accepted theory, belief, or practice.
maverick
vs.Means an independent-minded person who rejects a group's usual rules, positions, or conventions.
conventional
Means based on established practice, tradition, or general acceptance.
Test maverick in Context
He acts independently rather than following his group's usual position.
1
Because he repeatedly broke with his own party, the senator became known as a ___.