as in obdurateness
a steadfast adherence to an opinion, purpose, or course of action
cursed their mulishness for failing to own up to what seemed like an obvious mistake to him
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mulishness
Noun
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Controlling invasive species organically takes time, effort, and persistence.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Dec. 2025 -
After decades of quiet persistence in their trade, global recognition recently arrived for Maysara Winery, located in the rolling hills of Oregon wine country.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
7 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Whether his name is cleared, Jud resolves, is immaterial.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
11 Dec. 2025
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Wars, no matter how horrible, are occasions to reaffirm national identity, a chance to prove heroism and moral resolve.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Police will forward findings to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for review and determination of charges.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
11 June 2026
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This World Cup, like Yamal’s sentiments, reflects FIFA’s determination to chart a new course and, as its critics charge, a disregard for the sport’s past and its millions of fans.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Sheriff Cross isn’t really having the whole masking thing, and Phoenix wisely keeps the character’s bullheadedness realistic, not exaggerated.—
Michael Phillips,
Chicago Tribune,
16 July 2025
Noun
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At some point, the preference for consistency and the resolve to make decisions built on past success starts to mirror stubbornness.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
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None of that is stubbornness or sabotage, Chopra explained.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
3 June 2026
Noun
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For eight years, Eleni Vassilika had kept the Artemidorus papyrus out of Turin’s Egyptian Museum, her intransigence infuriating her superiors.—
Ariel Sabar,
The Atlantic,
13 May 2026
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Instead, the courts are dealing with intransigence from the city.—
The Editorial Board,
Oc Register,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Starmer’s realism—or obstinacy, depending on your point of view—had seen off an immediate challenge.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
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The natural obstinacy and rebelliousness of Israa’s teenage years are hyperaccelerated by culture clashes with both her family and the other kids around her.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Those leaders who ignore or flout the law aren’t merely unethical but fatally arrogant, putting their childish willfulness over the wisdom of generations.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
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Though the Durutti Column had been a disaster, Wilson was fascinated by the guitarist, who admired punk’s willfulness even though his own musical taste tended toward jazz, blues, and the classical tradition.—
Brad Shoup,
Pitchfork,
24 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Mulishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mulishness. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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