maverick 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of mavericknext
as in dissident
deviating from commonly accepted beliefs or practices George Sand's maverick views on marriage scandalized 19th-century French society

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

maverick

2 of 2

noun

ˈmav-rik How to pronounce maverick (audio)
as in bohemian
a person who does not conform to generally accepted standards or customs there's always one maverick who has to go his own way

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of maverick
Adjective
This week’s visit will be scrutinized for clues about the trajectory of a more maverick Saudi foreign policy. — Stephen Kalin, WSJ, 8 Dec. 2022 As the label carved out a space for pop’s true maverick weirdos, Harle became notable for his classically pristine pop production, evident on collaborations with Charli XCX and Carly Rae Jepsen. — Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 5 Dec. 2022
Noun
This love, combined with egalitarian ideals, has made Hill a bit of a late-blooming maverick. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026 His maverick persona and armored storm-chasing vehicle, the Dominator 3 — featured on Jay Leno’s Garage — directly inspired the character of Tyler Owens, played by Glen Powell in the 2024 summer blockbuster Twisters. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for maverick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maverick
  1. dissident
  2. iconoclast
  3. unconventional
  4. eccentric
  5. individualist
  6. nonconformist
  7. loner
Adjective
  • On July 19, Cuban artist and dissident Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara arrived in Miami after a period when his whereabouts remained unknown following his release from Guanajay Prison.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 21 July 2026
  • The dissident Bull Moose Party nominated former President Teddy Roosevelt for president after Republicans declined to do so.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 21 July 2026
Definition of dissident
Noun
  • Primus’ Bay Area cult following snowballed into a deal with Virgin offshoot Caroline Records for their studio debut, 1990’s Frizzle Fry, which established Primus as irresistible genre iconoclasts.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 2 Aug. 2026
  • By the early 1990s, Eugene had earned itself a reputation as a beacon of progressive-minded irreverence, drawing a pungent mix of weirdos, iconoclasts, and freethinkers.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Definition of iconoclast
Adjective
  • Throughout his career, Ackman has built a reputation for taking unconventional positions and backing them with conviction—whether making bold investment bets or weighing in on contentious public debates.
    — Preston Fore, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Arraez immediately validated this unconventional strategy, delivering an RBI single and a double in his impressive Phillies debut.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of unconventional
Noun
  • With its loose ends and digressions, Dream Me a Dream stays true to those idiosyncratic instincts while retaining enough of the welcoming glow of Dance of Love to make this an affecting farewell from an endearing eccentric.
    — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026
  • The eccentric cuz is quick to try and help Bobby solve problems, which often gets him into trouble, but ultimately pushes him out of his shell.
    — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
Definition of eccentric
Noun
  • This franchise didn't draft John Matuszak, but Davis found the boundary-pushing, difficult-to-coach individualist a perfect fit for the Raiders.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Once Into the Wild hit shelves, McCandless' individualist intrigue became a phenomenon that may never have happened if Krakauer hadn't brought the story to the masses.
    — Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026
Definition of individualist
Noun
  • At least Guillén still speaks his mind on the Sox’s pre- and postgame shows, so maybe there’s hope for nonconformists after all.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Unlike her sister Daphne, Eloise's character is a nonconformist regarding society's ideals of what a woman should be, and her outfits portray that.
    — Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Definition of nonconformist
Noun
  • The fragile alliance is tested by newcomer Renata (Aimee Garcia), her doctor brother Luis (Raúl Castillo), and loner Dillard (Jimmi Simpson of Westworld fame).
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • In her peaceful neighborhood outside Tokyo, this loner spends more time observing her surroundings than acting upon them, save for her habit of regularly stealing random objects to throw into the school incinerator.
    — Elena Lazic, Variety, 25 July 2026
Definition of loner

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maverick
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Cite this Entry

“Maverick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maverick. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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