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maverick definition

mav·er·ick (mavər ik, mavrik)

noun

  1. an unbranded animal, esp. a strayed calf
  2. Informal a person who takes an independent stand, as in politics, from that of a party or group

Etymology: after S. Maverick (1803-70), Texas rancher who did not brand his cattle

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

maverick Synonyms

maverick

modif.

in opposition, in revolt, contentious, aberrant, nonconformist; see also quarrelsome 1, radical 2, unusual 2.


maverick

n.

  1. Calf

    unbranded calf, yearling, renegade calf; see animal 2, calf.

  2. Nonconformist

    dissenter, malcontent, extremist; see nonconformist, radical.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

maverick Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • play: Griffiths plays a maverick but inspirational teacher who wins the adoration of his sixth-formers as they study to win a place at Oxbridge.

Adjective modifier

  • fellow: He exchanged harsh words and occasionally fisticuffs with fellow mouthy mavericks like Spike Lee, Oliver Stone and producer Don Murphy.

Modifies a noun

  • cop: Enter maverick cop " Eagle " Li ( Lee ), whose driving passion becomes the apprehension of Jeff's tortured soul.

Noun used with modifier

  • quot: Like quot maverick lowenstein said a. A friendly form their access.

Possessives

  • tradition: Philip Kitcher has described a ' maverick ' tradition in the philosophy of mathematics which emphasizes the practice and human side of mathematics.

Preposition: of

  • cinema: If you are a curious beginner, it's a gripping, entertaining autobiography of one of the true mavericks of American cinema.
maverick usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"maverick." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/maverick>

APA Style

maverick. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/maverick

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