DOGGED Synonyms: 253 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dogged 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdȯ-gəd

Definition of dogged

as in persistent

continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement a madman who spent his life in dogged pursuit of power

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stubborn

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion your dogged adherence to a really lame argument is embarrassing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relentless

showing no signs of slackening or yielding in one's purpose a dogged search for the missing piece of the puzzle

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dogged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of dog

as in chased

to go after or on the track of star athletes being dogged by fans when they're out in public

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hounded

to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders tired of constantly having to dog their son about cleaning his room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

He can be seen as a dogged competitor who used his edge to push his way to the big leagues. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 8 May 2026 Despite the challenges, Miller said, dogged journalists continue to produce inspiring work. — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 4 May 2026

Verb

All this sprung to mind on Friday, against a Cape Verde side that were dogged, well-organised and capable of scoring spectacular goals. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Lanky with striking red hair and a cocky demeanor, Clapper was dogged and respected by his fellow cops. — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dogged

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogged

Adjective

Kyle Clark, an anchorman on Denver’s 9News, asked the candidate in a persistent and revealing sit-down interview.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
The yen has lost 51% of its value against the dollar since 2012, as the central bank kept monetary policy loose to fight persistent deflation.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Definition of persistent

Adjective

For lipedema, Power Plate points to research suggesting whole-body vibration boosts lymphatic flow, which may liquefy and drain stubborn lymph fluid, relieve swelling and ease chronic pain.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
The grower will plant again next season, because that is what Israelis do, and the hope in that is stubborn.

— Frayda Leibtag, Time, 13 July 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

The relentless rain has led to dozens of water rescues in the region and forecasters are warning of more rainfall that could be catastrophic.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Between a home with three young children and a pediatric clinic crowded with restless kids, the noise at times felt relentless.

— Dana Suskind, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of relentless

Verb

In that operation, federal agents randomly chased people in shopping centers, neighborhoods and a church grounds — making arrests, prompting businesses to close and causing widespread fear among immigrant communities.

— Diamy Wang July 13, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
The animal charged toward the visitor, chased him back and forth through a patch of trees, and, ultimately, struck the man with its horns, launching and flipping him over.

— Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Definition of chased

Verb

Several of those who hounded Miller for payouts have formed new leagues to play together during this upcoming season.

— Alex Andrejev, New York Times, 17 July 2026
While playing for club Real Madrid in Spain during the 2025-26 season, Mbappé was hounded by monkey chants in a match against Real Oviedo, which led to a fan being detained.

— Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 July 2026

Definition of hounded

Adjective

James Madison was insistent that Congress was the most important and powerful branch, especially the House, which was closest to the people and, being elected every two years, would infuse new blood and new ideas into Congress in perpetuity.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Frightening and insistent, impossible yet certain, a feeling more powerful than knowledge.

— Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Definition of insistent

Adjective

This summer has been challenging, yet Newcastle are adamant that their 85 per cent majority owner, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is determined to spend up to the maximum within the rules moving forward.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 2026
And while an old Interceptor would be a pretty dumb platform to build a track car with, Jensen’s new management is adamant that this is not the revival of the old Interceptor.

— Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 16 July 2026

Definition of adamant

Adjective

Meanwhile, Machado remains determined to restart the push for free elections.

— John Otis, NPR, 16 July 2026
On the few occasions Mbappe was able to get into the box, the Real Madrid striker was swarmed by multiple defenders as Spain was determined to make anybody else defeat them.

— Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Definition of determined

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dogfights

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“Dogged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogged. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of dogged

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