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dogged

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verb

past tense of dog

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dogged distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of dogged are mulish, obstinate, pertinacious, and stubborn. While all these words mean "fixed and unyielding in course or purpose," dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence.

pursued the story with dogged perseverance

When is mulish a more appropriate choice than dogged?

The meanings of mulish and dogged largely overlap; however, mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy.

a mulish determination to have his own way

In what contexts can obstinate take the place of dogged?

The words obstinate and dogged are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence.

an obstinate proponent of conspiracy theories

When might pertinacious be a better fit than dogged?

While in some cases nearly identical to dogged, pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence.

a pertinacious salesclerk refusing to take no for an answer

When can stubborn be used instead of dogged?

The synonyms stubborn and dogged are sometimes interchangeable, but stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable.

a person too stubborn to admit error

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 dogged
Adjective
In terms of financial resources, the McCormack family is far outmatched, but over the past ten years, Abrams has mounted a dogged campaign on their behalf. Nick Tabor, Curbed, 11 Apr. 2025 This glimpse into prehistory is possible thanks to two tiny fossil footprints and the dogged work of an undergraduate intern at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument with a particular interest in ancient tracks, known as trace fossils. Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
But it’s been dogged by controversy over resurfaced racist tweets by trans star Gascón. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025 This year, one of the Best Picture contenders has been dogged by controversy, while in several other categories, the race feels a lot more wide open than in past years. Sean Collins, Vox, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dogged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogged
Adjective
  • Season Two centers around a persistent cyborg journalist who starts excavating into Dr. Sleech's dubious past, uncovering some controversial incidents.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 17 May 2025
  • Social isolation keeps the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a constant state of arousal, driving persistent cortisol release.
    Kim Samuel, Scientific American, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Jet fuel rolled down the street and the smell of it lingered in the air while authorities worked to extinguish one stubborn car fire that sent smoke billowing up.
    John Hanna, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • Of course, stubborn coach Tom Thibodeau went with his only play, a Jalen Brunson iso, while the starters huffed and puffed from playing nearly the entire game.
    Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The only sober attendees are a father (Sergi López) and his young son (Bruno Núñez) who are hoping to find the boy’s sister, a bohemian swept up in the relentless rhythm of this road-tripping bacchanalia.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025
  • He’s been key as a relentless point-of-attack defender, from James Harden in Round 1 to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Round 2.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The insistent piece ended with a piano on fire and Beyoncé yodeling, because why not? Beyoncé supported the most barbed material with evocative footage projected on a massive video wall.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • Ahead of Pink Elephant, the Montreal collective known for its insistent politics and uplifting lyricism was scarce and guarded in its direct communications.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Following Meghan's statements, Eldridge is adamant that her relatable role isn't convincing.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 29 May 2025
  • In early previews and pre-release memos, the developers have been adamant that, despite targeting a more casual audience with some more forgiving elements, this is meant to be enjoyed by people who have spent hundreds of hours in the main game and its 2024 expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • If the man is determined to have committed a crime, the library said, the police may make the information public.
    Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 20 May 2025
  • As the clinic races to rebuild, Abdallah is determined to continue providing care.
    Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors in the first four months of 2024 pursued nearly 19,000 soldiers, who either abandoned their posts or deserted, according to the Ukrainian parliament.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Wreckage, oil and human remains washed up on beaches from South Florida to Long Island, New York, and horrified civilians watched from Atlantic City’s boardwalk as German subs pursued and sank merchant ships in broad daylight.
    David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier in December, Pope Benedict XV urged a holiday truce.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
  • But, in 2006, someone urged him to see The Lives of Others, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s movie about East Germany.
    Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 23 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Dogged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogged. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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