mulish

Refusing to budge

Mulish means stubbornly refusing to change one's mind or course of action, like a mule that won't budge.

The word carries a sense of unreasonable obstinacy: He remained mulish about the deadline despite everyone's objections.

Someone mulish digs in their heels even when flexibility would serve them better.

stubbornness

obstinate

Firmly refusing to yield

stubbornRefusing to change course
headstrongStubbornly self-willed
pigheadedStubbornly refusing to yield

bullheaded · willful · obdurate · dogged · pertinacious · intransigent · recalcitrant · contrary · uncooperative · unmanageable

determination

resolute

Fixed in purpose

adamantStubbornly refusing to yield
tenaciousStubbornly determined to continue
persistentContinuing despite difficulty

unwavering · steadfast · unrelenting · unyielding · unbending · immovable · unshakeable · firm · iron-willed · single-minded

animal

donkey

Long-eared equine

assHoofed beast or idiot
burroSmall domesticated donkey
brayingMaking harsh donkey sounds

hooves · pack animal · beast of burden · hinny · jackass · kick

Categories

animal-likeapish, apelike, avian, beastly, birdlike
misbehaviormisbehave, misbehavior, mischief, misconduct, naughty
interferenceinterfering, meddling, intruding, butting in, obstructing
tenacitydetermined, persistence, persistent, perseverance, determination
oppositionopponent, adversary, rival, foe, enemy

Opposites

willingness to yield or comply

Bending under pressure

compliant · docile · tractable · amenable · pliant

reasonableness in disagreement

mulishreasonable

Showing sound judgment

open-minded · rational · sensible · temperate · judicious

Family

mulishness, mulishly

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G