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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
The two-part series explores the actions of Harkins, the attitudes of society and the legal system, and the dogged determination of a band of women who fought to get justice. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 June 2025 Since the company’s founding, the CEO has maintained a dogged commitment to providing banking services for little to no fees and has relied on interchange revenue. Jeff Kauflin, Forbes.com, 12 June 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
  • Put another way, even though China will remain a persistent and formidable challenger to the United States, and even though much of Southeast Asia seems to be gravitating toward China, Beijing still has a lot of work to do to allay concerns and win the trust of regional states.
    Yuen Foong Khong, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • The study reported that almost half of physicians who were persistent cigarette smokers were killed by their habit, and a quarter died before age 70.
    Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • All of which can be employed by Musk or anyone else using AI to target us with false political advertising tailored to our most stubborn biases, further dividing us, manipulating elections and solidifying what has already become a fascist state.
    Sal Recchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 June 2025
  • Then Curry, rattled by the monumental reverb of Kyrie’s shot, hurried into a stubborn approach on the ensuing possession, missed a desperate 3 over Kevin Love, who used his length and a rare display of defensive intensity to deny Curry a good look.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • The tech giant released their 2025 Work Trend Index Annual Report this week, which highlighted the relentless nature of the modern workday.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • In reality, behind every success story is a long trial of sleepless nights, uncertain pivots, and relentless hustle.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), one of the members who led the meeting, was insistent that the cap would fall below $40,000, one Senate Republican said.
    Al Weaver, The Hill, 11 June 2025
  • Dalton is insistent that Americans will become more vulnerable without research partnerships abroad.
    Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Football has typically accepted these lapses and quietly moved on, adamant that the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PED) is primarily a problem for other sports.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • Green groups are adamant EVs should be the only option.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Ter Stegen is determined to stay at Barca, where he is settled on a personal level and ready to challenge for the No 1 spot.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 27 June 2025
  • Set in the working-class outskirts of L.A., Lolita follows Jesús (Alexis Vazquez), an openly gay man recently released from prison after serving a nine-year sentence for a nonviolent drug offense, who is determined to reclaim his life and reunite with his daughter.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 June 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 Jul. 2025.

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