MULISHNESS Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

mulishness

noun

Definition of mulishness

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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for mulishness

Noun

According to the trade counsel, the recent tit-for-tat trade actions undertaken by both Washington and Ottowa have served to illuminate the persistence of a trend that stands to continue over the coming months.

— Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026
Maines’ technical skill along with his persistence and curiosity helped produce journalism with far-reaching consequences.

— Sally Kestin, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of persistence

Noun

The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.

— Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
The tannins are well structured yet soft and the wine has great persistency in the finish.

— Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 May 2023

Definition of persistency

Noun

Fourth, the law needs to give homeowners enough time to challenge incorrect determinations.

— Michael Wolfe, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
Their admirable determination makes Diamantis’ flight from the United States baffling for us and humiliating for them.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of determination

Noun

Ukraine has ramped up its attacks on Russian oil facilities and logistics hubs in recent months, seeking to raise the cost of the war for Russia and test Putin's resolve to continue the conflict.

— Sam Meredith,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
The blasts just across the Danube are a reminder of how close war is to NATO territory — at a time many fear Russian President Vladimir Putin might want to test the alliance’s resolve.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of resolve

Noun

The film’s cast is mostly made up of tribal non-actors, but Anghlong Konyak is its captivating center, as a man whose stubbornness against change sits alongside a lingering grief over his fading way of life.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Perhaps the stubbornness on both sides is why this rivalry thrives despite its nonconference status.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of stubbornness

Noun

The fact that so many diplomats before him have struggled is a testament not to the intransigence of international problems but to the mediocrity of his predecessors.

— Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2026
Fatigue with the stagnation inherent in contemporary democratic institutions is among the key factors that make the promise to break through intransigence by autocratic leaders attractive to a plurality of voters.

— Wendell Wallach, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026

Definition of intransigence

Noun

Starmer’s realism—or obstinacy, depending on your point of view—had seen off an immediate challenge.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
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

Definition of obstinacy

Noun

Perhaps the greatest testament to Morocco’s obduracy came late in normal time, when Rodri — a central midfielder being deployed as a central defender — strode forward and shot, more in hope than in expectation, from 35 yards.

— Rory Smith, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2022
But a year later, more than two dozen of them remain stuck in Afghanistan, stalled by bureaucratic wrangling, the vagaries of international diplomacy and the obduracy of the Taliban government.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2022

Definition of obduracy

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.

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mulish

mulishness

mull

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“Mulishness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mulishness. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of mulishness

noun

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