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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
View Photos For those who have thus far been kept out of BMWs by an innate sense of fiscal responsibility (or a mulish loan officer), the biggest news here is the price: our 318is, as tested, cost a modest $21,985.
—
William Jeanes, Car and Driver, 28 Apr. 2023
But his insistence—which is so adamant as to be mulish—that order is a good thing (even if enforced by a tyrant) if the alternative is anarchy (even in pursuit of a liberal democracy) will find few takers among those who aren’t admirers of Agamemnon or worshipers of Zeus.
—Tunku Varadarajan, WSJ, 13 Jan. 2023
Again, that is happening while the Biden administration makes U.S. energy production increasingly difficult, putting more upward pressure on prices in its mulish determination to appease the far Left.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 7 Feb. 2022
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
Although the Democrat who defeated him, Sheldon Whitehouse, is not considered unfriendly to the environment, Chafee's ouster has to please Sen. James Inhofe, the mulish Republican chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
—Wired News Report, WIRED, 8 Nov. 2006
William Jeanes, Car and Driver, 28 Apr. 2023
But his insistence—which is so adamant as to be mulish—that order is a good thing (even if enforced by a tyrant) if the alternative is anarchy (even in pursuit of a liberal democracy) will find few takers among those who aren’t admirers of Agamemnon or worshipers of Zeus.
—Tunku Varadarajan, WSJ, 13 Jan. 2023
Again, that is happening while the Biden administration makes U.S. energy production increasingly difficult, putting more upward pressure on prices in its mulish determination to appease the far Left.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 7 Feb. 2022
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
Although the Democrat who defeated him, Sheldon Whitehouse, is not considered unfriendly to the environment, Chafee's ouster has to please Sen. James Inhofe, the mulish Republican chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
—Wired News Report, WIRED, 8 Nov. 2006
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mulish
Adjective
-
Its hot water wash dissolves stubborn grease on the mop pads, while its specialized Curv design prevents long hair from tangling around the brushes.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
17 Mar. 2026
-
For any stubborn coffee stains on the carafe, apply baking soda directly to the interior surface and gently scrub with a soft sponge or toothbrush.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Even at that, Panthers coach Paul Maurice remains adamant all the trade rumors were blown out of proportion in the first place.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Berg is adamant that any kind of sleeper—we’re talking side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers alike—would like this supportive style.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mulish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mulish. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
