individualist

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ist ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wə-list 

-ˈvij-wə-,

-ˈvi-jə-list

1

: one that pursues a markedly independent course in thought or action

2

: one that advocates or practices individualism

individualist adjective

or individualistic

ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-wə-ˈli-stik 

-ˌvij-wə-,

-ˌvi-jə-ˈli-

individualistically

ˌin-də-ˌvi-jə-wə-ˈli-sti-k(ə-)lē 

-ˌvij-wə-

-ˌvi-jə-ˈli-

adverb

Synonyms

• bohemian
• boho
• counterculturist
• deviant
• enfant terrible
• free spirit
• heretic
• iconoclast
• lone ranger
• lone wolf
• loner
• maverick
• nonconformer
• nonconformist

Examples of individualist in a Sentence

The school encourages children to be individualists.

an individualist who steadfastly refuses to do what everyone else is doing

Recent Examples on the Web

Radical individualists come to environmentalism from a different place than other people who support the cause. —Keren Landman, Vox, 10 Dec. 2024

This season, the Yankees have embraced right-hander Marcus Stroman and left fielder Alex Verdugo, two players who, like Chisholm, occasionally come off as individualists. —Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 24 July 2024

The ultimate in sailing chic, Wally Yachts are streamlined, high tech, luxurious high-performance boats that appeal to the sophisticated individualist who is passionate about sailing. —Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024

More than a century later, such forays have matured into an individualist morality that has become widespread. —Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

individualist

noun

in·​di·​vid·​u·​al·​ist ˌin-də-ˈvij-(ə-)wə-ləst 

-ˈvij-əl-əst

1

: a person who thinks or behaves in an individual or independent way

2

: a supporter of individualism

individualist adjective

or individualistic

-ˌvij-(ə-)wə-ˈlis-tik 

-ˌvij-ə-ˈlis-tik

individualistically

-ˈlis-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb