MULISH Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'mulish' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mulish are dogged , obstinate , pertinacious , and stubborn . While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy. // a mulish determination to have his own way

Q: When could 'dogged' be used to replace 'mulish'?

While the synonyms dogged and mulish are close in meaning, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence. // pursued the story with dogged perseverance

Q: Where would 'obstinate' be a reasonable alternative to 'mulish'?

In some situations, the words obstinate and mulish are roughly equivalent. However, obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence. // an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pertinacious' instead of 'mulish'?

The words pertinacious and mulish can be used in similar contexts, but pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence. // a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

Q: When might 'stubborn' be a better fit than 'mulish'?

The meanings of stubborn and mulish largely overlap; however, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable. // a person too stubborn to admit error

mulish

adjective

ˈmyü-lish

Definition of mulish

as in stubborn

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion a mulish determination to have his own way

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How is the word mulish distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mulish are dogged, obstinate, pertinacious, and stubborn. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

When could dogged be used to replace mulish?

While the synonyms dogged and mulish are close in meaning, dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

Where would obstinate be a reasonable alternative to mulish?

In some situations, the words obstinate and mulish are roughly equivalent. However, obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When is it sensible to use pertinacious instead of mulish?

The words pertinacious and mulish can be used in similar contexts, but pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

When might stubborn be a better fit than mulish?

The meanings of stubborn and mulish largely overlap; however, stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of mulish His daughter, Anne (Olivia Colman), who comes to see him, is galled by the situation, but Anthony is mulish and unmoved. — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2021 And still fashion week keeps its mulish course, a carousel spinning madly. — Matthew Schneier, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2018 Only a supranational institution such as the EU has the heft and mulish determination to override national attempts to impose banana uniformity, vacuum-cleaner-motor wattage limits or standards for automobile safety systems. — Joseph C. Sternberg, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mulish

Adjective

An honor that seems to bring things full circle for that stubborn little girl who dreamed of performing on stages around the world from her farm.

— Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
How To Remove Leaf Stains With Chlorine Bleach Bleach is very effective at removing stubborn leaf stains, along with mildew and moss.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

Seems unlikely that Kiffin would be adamant that the Big Ten's nine-game conference schedule is dragging down their results.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
And Ballmer and the Clippers remain adamant the penalties—and the allegations of misconduct—are incorrect.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of adamant

Browse Nearby Words

muliebrity

mulish

mulishness

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“Mulish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mulish. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of mulish

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