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Maverick

A person who refuses to follow the crowd; a nonconformist; someone who acts independently and resists conventional norms. The term can also describe such independent behavior when used as an adjective (e.g., a maverick thinker).

noun

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Imagine This

Picture a rancher named Maverick who refuses to brand his cattle. While others brand their stock and follow the herd, his unmarked cattle wander freely, and he charts his own path, trusting his own judgment rather than the crowd.

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Sounds Like

MAV-ə-rik

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Looks Like

An unbranded cow roaming away from a herd, symbolizing independence.

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Remember This

The word comes from Samuel Maverick, a Texas cattleman who refused to brand his cattle; the term broadened to describe independent-minded people.

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Other Forms

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Connect With

nonconformist, rebel, iconoclast, free thinker, independent, dissenter

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Note

Typically neutral to positive when describing innovative or independent thinking; context matters—calling someone a 'maverick' can imply boldness or recklessness depending on tone.

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Study Deeper

Examples

The maverick entrepreneur launched a disruptive startup that challenged the old guard.
As a maverick legislator, she often votes against party lines on key issues.

Synonyms

nonconformistrebeliconoclastfree thinkerindependent

Antonyms

conformisttraditionalistorthodox

Etymology

From the surname Maverick, notably Samuel A. Maverick, a Texas cattleman who refused to brand his cattle; the term evolved to describe an unorthodox individual who resists conformity.

Mnemonic

Make A Venture, Embrace Risk, Ignore Conformity, Keep.