11 Best Words for Someone Who Does Whatever They Want

If someone has the freedom to do whatever they want, whenever they want, it could lead to both positive and negative outcomes. This article will explore some of the best words you can use to refer to people who do whatever they want.

The preferred synonyms are “bohemian,” “maverick,” and “headstrong.” These words are great to show that someone likes to live outside of the normal rules of the world. They will do things that make themselves happy or act on impulses that allow them to be freer.

Bohemian

“Bohemian” is one of the best synonyms you can use here. It shows that you are willing to explore new things and ignore the socially acceptable ways to live your life. It allows you the freedom to do things in your own way.

The definition of “bohemian,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person who is interested in artistic and unusual things, for example, art, music, or literature, and lives in an informal way that ignores the usually accepted ways of behaving.”

• I’m a bohemian, so I get to live my life however I want. I don’t see why I should conform to modern societal rules.
• We’re all bohemians here. You do not have to belong to any system. You’ll fit right in if you can share our beliefs.
• He’s bohemian. He could probably get away with murder if he wanted to! I wish I could live like that.

Maverick

“Maverick” is another great alternative. This one works because it shows that you can think independently and do things in a way that pleases you. You do not worry about pleasing other people as a maverick.

The definition of “maverick,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person who thinks and acts in an independent way, often behaving differently from the expected or usual way.”

• Jon is a maverick, and there’s no way you’ll be able to change his stance on anything he believes in. It’s not that simple.
• We get to do whatever we want, whenever we want. It’s a great life! We are mavericks, and you won’t change that.
• I want to be a maverick for once in my life. I want to do things that go against the grain, just to show them that I can!

Headstrong

“Headstrong” is a great word you can use here. It shows that you are determined to do something you want to do. If other people tell you not to do it, it only makes you want to commit to it more.

The definition of “headstrong,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “very determined to do what you want without listening to others.”

• I’m too headstrong to take his advice. I’m just going to keep doing the things that I want to do without worrying about others.
• Stop being so headstrong for a second and start realizing what you’re doing. It’s really dangerous if you keep this up.
• I thought she was more headstrong than that. I’ve never seen her cave to the pressure of others before.

Self-Willed

“Self-willed” means that someone will do whatever they want. They will base all their actions on things that make them happy without caring about what other people might say about them.

The definition of “self-willed,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “determined to base your actions on your own decisions without listening to advice from other people.”

• I’m self-willed, meaning I will never listen to anyone else. I know what I want and what I can get out of life. It’s that easy.
• Dan is self-willed, and it’s really hard to change his mind about anything. If he sets his mind to something, he’ll do it.
• Being self-willed isn’t a glamorous thing. It might seem like it is, but it’s really dangerous to live a life where you have no rules.

Willful

“Willful” is a solid synonym here. It shows that someone will do whatever they want, even if they know it’s wrong. They won’t care if someone is trying to talk them out of doing that thing.

The definition of “willful,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “determined to do exactly as you want, even if you know it is wrong.”

• He’s willful and will do whatever it takes to prove that to people. You’ll never get him to do something you want him to do.
• Stop being so willful for once! It’s really dangerous, and you’re starting to upset those closest to you.
• I’m too willful to be stopped. I know it’s not a good trait to have, but I don’t see why anyone else should tell me what to do.

Liberal

“Liberal” is a good alternative that shows someone believes in personal freedom. If you like having the ability to think and act freely, you would be considered a “liberal” person.

The definition of “liberal,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “believing in or allowing a lot of personal freedom, and believing that society should change gradually so that money, property, and power are shared more fairly.”

• As a liberal, I like to live my life in my own way. I see no reason why I should follow the rules set up by people I don’t care about.
• He’s got liberal parents, and they like their freedom. They will do whatever they want, and I’m really jealous of how they live their lives.
• I wish I was able to live a liberal lifestyle. It seems much more fun because of all the freedom you get to have.

Criminal

“Criminal” is a great synonym because it shows that someone will do whatever they want, even if it gets them in trouble. It specifically relates to crimes that they might choose to commit.

The definition of “criminal,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “someone who commits a crime.”

• You’re a criminal. You can’t keep taking the things you want just because you want them. It’s going to get you caught.
• I like acting like a criminal because it gives me freedom that I otherwise won’t be able to find. It’s great fun!
• Stop being a criminal and start taking responsibility for your own actions. You can’t keep pretending that you’re above the law.

Outlaw

“Outlaw” is another great one relating to crimes. If someone does not care about the consequences of their action, they might become an outlaw. This allows them to live a life free from the laws of the world.

The definition of “outlaw,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a person who has broken the law and who lives separately from the other parts of society because they want to escape legal punishment.”

• I’m an outlaw and won’t do what the law tells me. If I see something I want, I’ll take it. It’s the best way to live your life.
• You’re not the only outlaw in this family. I’ve had plenty of practice dealing with them, and it’s time you stop acting out.
• Stop being an outlaw and listen to me. If you want to spend your life in jail, keep doing whatever you want. You’ll see.

Beatnik

“Beatnik” is a very old-fashioned term, but it works well. It shows that someone is not willing to follow the standard customs put forward by the society they live in.

The definition of “beatnik,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a young person who did not accept society’s customs and principles, and showed this by the way they dressed and behaved.”

• David and Chrissie are beatniks. They like to live their lives in mysterious ways that don’t follow the general societal trends.
• He’s a beatnik, for sure. You can tell that he doesn’t want anything to do with the rules laid out before him. It’s interesting.
• I’m not sure if you qualify as a beatnik. It’s a fairly old-fashioned term, but you definitely don’t like to follow the rules.

Inexorable

“Inexorable” is an interesting alternative. You can use it to show that someone will do whatever they want without considering the consequences. It shows that they cannot be stopped, even if you try to get them under control.

The definition of “inexorable,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “continuing without any possibility of being stopped.”

• His behavior is inexorable, and I don’t think we’ll ever change that. He just keeps doing whatever he wants with no consequences.
• She is very inexorable in how she treats people. She will do whatever she wants, whenever she wants to. It sucks, to be honest.
• This inexorable behavior of yours cannot continue. You have got to start caring about other people’s feelings and start following the rules!

Nonconformist

“Nonconformist” simply means that someone doesn’t “conform” to the usual standards. They will actively choose to avoid living their life in a way that seems normal or regular.

The definition of “nonconformist,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “someone who lives and thinks in a way that is different from other people.”

• I’m a nonconformist because I choose to be. There’s no reason for me to follow the general rules of the world if I don’t want to.
• He’s a nonconformist, meaning that he gets to choose all the things he does in life without worrying about any rules.
• I wish I was part of your nonconformist family. It seems like you all have so much freedom compared to me.