Nonconformist
noun
A person who does not follow the usual rules or norms of a society or group.
He is a nonconformist who always questions authority.
Often appears as...
- religious nonconformist
- be a nonconformist
noun
A member of a Protestant church in England or Wales that is not part of the Church of England.
In the 16th century, many nonconformists were persecuted for their beliefs.
Often appears as...
- protestant nonconformist
- become a nonconformist
Usage tips
Historical
adjective
Not following the usual rules or norms of a society or group.
Her nonconformist approach to fashion always turns heads.
Often appears as...
- nonconformist thinking
- nonconformist behavior
noun
A person who does not follow the usual rules or norms of a society or group.
He is a nonconformist who always questions authority.
Often appears as...
- religious nonconformist
- be a nonconformist
noun
A member of a Protestant church in England or Wales that is not part of the Church of England.
In the 16th century, many nonconformists were persecuted for their beliefs.
Often appears as...
- protestant nonconformist
- become a nonconformist
Usage tips
Historical
adjective
Not following the usual rules or norms of a society or group.
Her nonconformist approach to fashion always turns heads.
Often appears as...
- nonconformist thinking
- nonconformist behavior
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Social Rebel
Implies resistance to social norms or practices, often seen as positive for advocating personal freedom.
Despite societal expectations, she remained a proud nonconformist.
Pro Tip 2/3Often Positive
While 'nonconformist' can suggest disobedience, it frequently carries a positive tone, celebrating uniqueness.
His nonconformist ideals made him a popular leader among the youth.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Anarchic
Shouldn't be confused with complete lawlessness or chaos; it's more about creative or thoughtful deviation.
Her nonconformist ways meant she chose to walk when others drove.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Rebel
Implies resistance to social norms or practices, often seen as positive for advocating personal freedom.
Despite societal expectations, she remained a proud nonconformist.
Pro Tip 2/3Often Positive
While 'nonconformist' can suggest disobedience, it frequently carries a positive tone, celebrating uniqueness.
His nonconformist ideals made him a popular leader among the youth.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Anarchic
Shouldn't be confused with complete lawlessness or chaos; it's more about creative or thoughtful deviation.
Her nonconformist ways meant she chose to walk when others drove.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Rebel
Implies resistance to social norms or practices, often seen as positive for advocating personal freedom.
Despite societal expectations, she remained a proud nonconformist.
Pro Tip 2/3Often Positive
While 'nonconformist' can suggest disobedience, it frequently carries a positive tone, celebrating uniqueness.
His nonconformist ideals made him a popular leader among the youth.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Anarchic
Shouldn't be confused with complete lawlessness or chaos; it's more about creative or thoughtful deviation.
Her nonconformist ways meant she chose to walk when others drove.
Compare with
conventionaldissenterfreethinkericonoclastindependentmaverickradicalisationrebel
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Video examples
The surprising habits of...
Originals are nonconformists, people who not only have new ideas but take action to champion them. They are people who stand out and speak up. Originals drive creativity and change in the world. They're the people you want to bet on. And they look nothing like I expected.
Video examples
The surprising habits of...
Originals are nonconformists, people who not only have new ideas but take action to champion them. They are people who stand out and speak up. Originals drive creativity and change in the world. They're the people you want to bet on. And they look nothing like I expected.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Steven Biko
South African Activist
We are concerned with that curious bunch of nonconformists who explain their participation in negative terms: that bunch of do-gooders that goes under all sorts of names - liberals, leftists, etc. These are the people who argue that they are not responsible for white racism and the country's 'inhumanity to the black man.
Quote examples
Adam Grant
American Author
Originals are nonconformists, people who not only have new ideas but take action to champion them. They are people who stand out and speak up. Originals drive creativity and change in the world. They're the people you want to bet on.
Quote examples
Joe Maddon
American Businessman
I was never a protestor, don't get me wrong, I was never like a vocal... what was the line I used to repeat to myself?... I was a nonconformist in a conforming society, that's what I thought about myself back in the '70s.
Quote examples
John Forbes Nash, Jr.
American Mathematician
To some extent, people who are insane are nonconformists, and society and their family wish they would live what appear to be useful lives.
Quote examples
Martin Luther King, Jr.
American Leader
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.
Quote examples
Albert Einstein
German Physicist
It gives me great pleasure indeed to see the stubbornness of an incorrigible nonconformist warmly acclaimed.
Quote examples
Keith Flint
English Musician
I'm not scary. It's scary for people to see someone being nonconformist.
Quote examples
Jacqueline Leo
Editor
Mavericks are nonconformists. They pride themselves on going it alone.
Quote examples
Bryson DeChambeau
American Athlete
I'm a total nonconformist; for me, it's about going down rabbit holes.
Quote examples
James Thurber
American Author
Why do you have to be a nonconformist like everybody else?
Quote examples
Steven Biko
South African Activist
We are concerned with that curious bunch of nonconformists who explain their participation in negative terms: that bunch of do-gooders that goes under all sorts of names - liberals, leftists, etc. These are the people who argue that they are not responsible for white racism and the country's 'inhumanity to the black man.
Quote examples
Adam Grant
American Author
Originals are nonconformists, people who not only have new ideas but take action to champion them. They are people who stand out and speak up. Originals drive creativity and change in the world. They're the people you want to bet on.
Quote examples
Joe Maddon
American Businessman
I was never a protestor, don't get me wrong, I was never like a vocal... what was the line I used to repeat to myself?... I was a nonconformist in a conforming society, that's what I thought about myself back in the '70s.
Quote examples
John Forbes Nash, Jr.
American Mathematician
To some extent, people who are insane are nonconformists, and society and their family wish they would live what appear to be useful lives.
Quote examples
Martin Luther King, Jr.
American Leader
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.
Quote examples
Albert Einstein
German Physicist
It gives me great pleasure indeed to see the stubbornness of an incorrigible nonconformist warmly acclaimed.
Quote examples
Keith Flint
English Musician
I'm not scary. It's scary for people to see someone being nonconformist.
Quote examples
Jacqueline Leo
Editor
Mavericks are nonconformists. They pride themselves on going it alone.
Quote examples
Bryson DeChambeau
American Athlete
I'm a total nonconformist; for me, it's about going down rabbit holes.
Quote examples
James Thurber
American Author
Why do you have to be a nonconformist like everybody else?
Example 1 of 10
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