dogged 1 of 2

Definition of doggednext
1
2
3

dogged

2 of 2

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
There, Sweetpea puts her dogged investigation skills to use and returns with proof hard enough to save SternTao from ruin. Alison Herman, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026 Instead, in the past decade, the sport has only gained a more dogged reputation as a frosty space for LGBTQ+ individuals. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
Then he was dogged by rumors that his Netflix road-trip docuseries with former One Direction mate Louis Tomlinson went belly-up because the two got into a verbal and then physical argument that tanked the show. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 1 May 2026 The hard part is assessing Manuel’s responsibility for the various scandals, investigations and lawsuits that have dogged Michigan’s athletic department in recent years. Austin Meek, New York Times, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dogged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogged
Adjective
  • However, a persistent increase in consumer prices may put pressure on the Fed to raise interest rates as a means of dialing back inflation.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 May 2026
  • Yermak was a trusted confidant of Zelensky, who resisted persistent pressure to replace him, and a powerful figure in the government.
    Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Abby, how does one work with stubborn husbands?
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
  • Ahead, Katie Sullivan, the director of issue communications at the American Cleaning Institute, shares the best way to remove sticky, greasy residue from pot lids, at-home solutions for tackling even the most stubborn residue, and the one mistake to avoid that can make cleanup more difficult.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • How are you supposed to enjoy your iced tea in the garden when that pest is relentless?
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
  • As jobs go, motherhood can seem at odds with itself; too relentless to be easy but too satisfying to quit.
    Andre Mouchard, Daily News, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • In April, Clarke was arrested on drug charges in Arkansas after he was chased by authorities, CBS affiliate WREG-TV reported.
    Alex Sundby, CBS News, 12 May 2026
  • The bear chased other groups of visitors.
    Mark Price May 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy botched an uncontested breakout pass, and Tage Thompson hounded Fraser Minten to force a turnover.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The team has been rocked by a rash of red cards and hounded by both injuries and inconsistent play.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Fukada — always measured and never insistent — invites us to observe Yuri and Yoriko observing each other, even though Yoriko seems to do the lion’s share of the looking.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 13 May 2026
  • Again, the show is insistent on proclaiming Val’s greatness without putting in the work.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Board president Kevin Smith said the poll workers took the correct actions with the adamant voter and Thursday’s board vote corrected his attempt to vote a second time.
    Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • And Meg [Marinis] was very adamant.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Barker speaks of his family with obvious pride, and seems determined to bring them along as his star rises.
    Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026
  • Lamborghini itself has confirmed that its first fully electric model will arrive later this decade, but the company appears determined to keep combustion engines alive in its flagship supercars for as long as regulations permit.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dogged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogged. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dogged

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster