as in maverick
a person who does not conform to generally accepted standards or customs
something of a lone ranger among anthropologists, she does her research without either a lending hand or an eye toward trendy topics
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Recent Examples of lone ranger
And while his rivals have landed serious blows against him, he’s embraced the tabloid-style frenzy at each of those junctures, incorporating them into his narrative identity as an underappreciated lone ranger constantly battling the world.
—
TIME, 7 May 2024
Look, first of all, Netanyahu is not a lone ranger.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2024
Each bike in the lineup is powered by the same 1,203 cc V-twin that pumps out 120 hp, but the new year will see new styling and colors for the FTR Sport, as well as a few choice performance modifications to help America’s lone ranger compete against the aforementioned competition.
—Peter Jackson, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2022
But don’t mistake him for a lone ranger.
—Dan Hurley, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2016
The desperate situation usually has an alternative, if only the lone ranger would tolerate his own vulnerability and fallibility.
—Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2021
Kaneland pitcher Emilee Erickson, wearing a protective face mask in Friday’s Class 3A state semifinal, was no lone ranger.
—Rick Armstrong, Aurora Beacon-News, 9 June 2018
Hanes doesn't believe J. Edgar Hoover or the Federal Bureau of Investigation was involved, nor a group of lone rangers.
—Ivana Hrynkiw, AL.com, 4 Apr. 2018
But, Adrienne, the press is already convinced that Donald Trump has a lone ranger style.
—Fox News, 11 Mar. 2018
TIME, 7 May 2024
Look, first of all, Netanyahu is not a lone ranger.
—Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2024
Each bike in the lineup is powered by the same 1,203 cc V-twin that pumps out 120 hp, but the new year will see new styling and colors for the FTR Sport, as well as a few choice performance modifications to help America’s lone ranger compete against the aforementioned competition.
—Peter Jackson, Robb Report, 29 Nov. 2022
But don’t mistake him for a lone ranger.
—Dan Hurley, Discover Magazine, 19 Dec. 2016
The desperate situation usually has an alternative, if only the lone ranger would tolerate his own vulnerability and fallibility.
—Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 19 Apr. 2021
Kaneland pitcher Emilee Erickson, wearing a protective face mask in Friday’s Class 3A state semifinal, was no lone ranger.
—Rick Armstrong, Aurora Beacon-News, 9 June 2018
Hanes doesn't believe J. Edgar Hoover or the Federal Bureau of Investigation was involved, nor a group of lone rangers.
—Ivana Hrynkiw, AL.com, 4 Apr. 2018
But, Adrienne, the press is already convinced that Donald Trump has a lone ranger style.
—Fox News, 11 Mar. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lone ranger
Noun
-
Further reading: Trump wants to end this GOP maverick’s political career.—
Emily Brooks,
The Hill,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Since the Second World War, the United States has exercised de-facto military control over Greenland, thanks to the maverick diplomat Henrik Kauffmann, who, as Denmark’s envoy to Washington in 1941, granted the U.S. control over its security.—
Louise Bokkenheuser,
The New Yorker,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Is your pet more of a loyal pack leader or a free-spirited lone wolf?—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Ray takes a moment to soak in the warm, comfortable house and bustling family breakfast table and scarfs down a couple of stray pieces of bacon — scarcity mindset of the all-American lone wolf.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Often referred to as a Hollywood enfant terrible for his challenging working style and nonlinear career path, Kilmer leaned into that mystique — turning it into a form of differentiation.—
Jeetendr Sehdev,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Once an enfant terrible, Emin was known during the ’90s for sculptures and performances that explored the emotional toll of erotic encounters.—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Doku is a unique player in an unusual situation; a tireless, free spirit striving to find escape routes down the flanks in a heavily structured and — this season, at least — easily frustrateable side.—
Thom Harris,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
-
Aimee Lou Wood is Chelsea, his much-younger girlfriend, an upbeat free spirit eager to indulge in whatever the resort has to offer.—
Noel Murray,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lone ranger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lone%20ranger. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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