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mulish

adjective
mul·​ish | \ ˈmyü-lish How to pronounce mulish (audio) \

Definition of mulish

: unreasonably and inflexibly obstinate
Other Words from mulish Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about mulish

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Other Words from mulish

mulishly adverb
mulishness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for mulish

obstinate, dogged, stubborn, pertinacious, mulish mean fixed and unyielding in course or purpose. obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence. an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence. pursued the story with dogged perseverance stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable. a person too stubborn to admit error pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence. a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy. a mulish determination to have his own way

Examples of mulish in a Sentence

She approached the job with mulish determination. a mulish insistence on doing things his own way

Recent Examples on the Web

 They are increasingly irritated by the Democrats’ mulish persistence in an anti-Trump impeachment gambit at the expense of dealing with pressing national problems. — Andrew C. Mccarthy, National Review, "Why Pelosi Continues to Deflect the Censure Gambit," 22 June 2019 And still fashion week keeps its mulish course, a carousel spinning madly. — Matthew Schneier, New York Times, "London Fashion Week Draws the Queen and the Rabble," 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, "Britain Sings the Brexit Blues," 17 Aug. 2017 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, "Election Spawns New Hope for Tech," 8 Nov. 2006

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mulish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of mulish

1751, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for mulish

mule entry 1

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More Definitions for mulish

mulish

adjective
How to pronounce mulish (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of mulish

: refusing to do what other people want or to change your opinion or the way you do something : very stubborn

See the full definition for mulish in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mulish

adjective
mul·​ish | \ ˈmyü-lish How to pronounce mulish (audio) \

Kids Definition of mulish

: stubborn sense 1

Other Words from mulish

mulishly adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on mulish

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with mulish

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mulish

Spanish Central: Translation of mulish

Nglish: Translation of mulish for Spanish Speakers

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