maverick

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'maverick' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used as a noun to describe an independent-minded person who does not conform to accepted or established opinions, or as an adjective to describe something or someone that is unorthodox or non-conformist. Example sentence: His maverick style of leadership often clashes with the traditional approach followed by his colleagues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As befits my maverick old friend Nigel Lawson, his most memorable budget was not the one that preceded the 1987 election, which the Tories won in a canter, but his 1988 budget, in which he changed not just the British but the western world's attitude to acceptable levels of taxation by lowering the top rate from 60% to 40%.

The Guardian - Business

They took a 25% share of the Norwich vote in the European election and, with so many parties standing, including the maverick Norfolk-born independent Craig Murray, 25% could be enough to win Norwich North.

The Guardian

It carved out a name for itself sponsoring Steve Prefontaine, the maverick middle-distance runner, who died in a car crash in 1974, aged 24.

The Guardian - Sport

Block F, like many of the records, had been destroyed, and until the recent revival of interest and the restoration of the site as a museum, the stories of the women, overshadowed by the brilliant maverick men such as Alan Turing, seemed likely to go untold for ever.

The Guardian

Who: Led by the psychedelic maverick and one-man band Kevin Parker, Tame Impala broke out from Perth, the most remote city in the world, with their second album, Lonerism, which catapulted them to the upper echelons of festivals all over the world.

The Guardian - Music

The prime minister also reinforced his reputation as the EU's main maverick with a powerful anti-immigration manifesto that equates migrants with terrorists, says immigrants are taking Hungarians' jobs, recommends internment camps for illegal immigrants and states they should be forced to work.

The Guardian

Moreover, all three are, in common with Miller circa The Crucible, maverick, socio-politically aware, generally quite intense, and not about to apologise for it.

The Guardian - Film

Critics claim Fox has been conducting what a senior Whitehall source called a "maverick foreign policy" and it is this which will ultimately decide his political fate, according to government officials.

The Guardian

For all his clubability, he was both a maverick and a loner.

The Guardian

It is also apparent that he is no longer the maverick right-wing voice of choice for BBC1's Question Time or Radio 4's Any Questions.

The Guardian

What government officials are stressing is what they call Fox's separate – "maverick" – foreign policy interests.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maverick" to describe individuals or entities that exhibit independence and a willingness to deviate from conventional norms. It's effective in portraying a unique or unconventional approach.

Common error

While "maverick" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing where a more precise term like "nonconformist" or "dissenter" might be more appropriate to convey the specific nuance.

Linguistic Context

The word "maverick" functions primarily as a noun describing an independent-minded person, or as an adjective modifying a noun to indicate unconventionality. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "maverick" is a versatile term used to describe someone or something that deviates from the norm. Functioning as both a noun and an adjective, it conveys a sense of independence and unconventionality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's commonly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, denoting innovation or a departure from established practices. While generally neutral, its connotation can shift based on the context. Alternatives include "nonconformist" and "rebel", each carrying slightly different nuances. Overall, "maverick" is a powerful word for portraying unique and independent qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nonconformist

A direct synonym, emphasizing the refusal to conform to accepted standards.

rebel

Implies active resistance against established norms or authority.

individualist

Focuses on the person's preference for independent thought and action.

unconventional thinker

Highlights the originality and lack of adherence to tradition in one's thought process.

free spirit

Suggests someone who is unrestrained and follows their own inclinations.

independent operator

Emphasizes autonomy and self-reliance in action and decision-making.

rogue

Implies a deviation from accepted standards, sometimes with a negative connotation.

dissenter

Focuses on disagreement with prevailing opinions or established doctrines.

iconoclast

Describes someone who attacks traditional beliefs or institutions.

original

Highlights the novelty and uniqueness of someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "maverick" in a sentence?

You can use "maverick" to describe someone who is independent and unconventional, such as: "He was considered a "maverick" in the industry because of his innovative ideas."

What are some synonyms for "maverick"?

Alternatives to "maverick" include "nonconformist", "rebel", "individualist", or "unconventional thinker", depending on the specific context.

Is "maverick" a positive or negative term?

The connotation of "maverick" can vary. It often suggests independence and innovation, but can also imply being difficult or unpredictable. The specific context determines whether it's positive or negative.

What's the difference between "maverick" and "rebel"?

"Maverick" generally implies independence and nonconformity, while "rebel" suggests active resistance against authority or established norms. A "rebel" is often actively fighting against something, whereas a "maverick" simply charts their own course.