Nonconformist is one of those words that has both a noun and an adjective form. The noun describes someone who acts apart from the masses, and the adjective describes people or other things that have those same nonconformist qualities.

Is conformist a noun or adjective?

Conformist can also be used as an adjective to describe something that follows convention and established customs. A conformist school board, for example, would follow the usual time-tested curriculum.

What is a nonconformist?

Nonconformist, also called Dissenter or Free Churchman, any English Protestant who does not conform to the doctrines or practices of the established Church of England. ... Nonconformists are also called Dissenters (a word first used of the five Dissenting Brethren at the Westminster Assembly of Divines in 1643–47).