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Definition of doggednext
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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
Mirren leads The Thursday Murder Club as Elizabeth Best, a former spy and dogged investigator. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025 One thing worth noting, however, was its dogged commitment to improving the fortunes of women in esports, which is continued right up until its final weeks, regularly hosting creator parties, panelist discussions, and more from its soon-to-close HQ. Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
The delays and cost overruns that dogged the Vogtle project present real threats for the next wave of reactors. Ed Crooks, IEEE Spectrum, 17 Dec. 2025 The 6-1, 224 pound weakside linebacker has elite instincts and is dogged in his approach against the run. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dogged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogged
Adjective
  • But the discharges also can overwhelm the delicate estuaries east and west of the state’s largest lake and, during the warm summer months, spread blooms of toxic algae, an issue that has become more persistent in recent years.
    Amy Green, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • In Bug, Carrie Coon's Agnes White — an Oklahoma waitress too exhausted to outrun her past — faces a more persistent threat.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That tone—of pain, of surprise, of a stubborn refusal to be reduced or diminished—is everywhere in it.
    Questlove, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025
  • If the stain is stubborn, add a few drops of dish soap to the water and vinegar mixture.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The relentless Chacon lurched outside after her just as his car door opened and out popped their 6-year-old son, begging his dad to stop.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Czechia had trouble handling a relentless Sweden forecheck and tight coverage all over.
    Joe Smith, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Gonzalez chased her down, punched her several times and then dragged her back to the truck, police said.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
  • That’s been the case this season, too, even as Nacua and Davante Adams have chased the NFL lead in receiving yards and touchdowns.
    Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 3 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Hansen Yang – hounded by over a dozen Chinese media members there to chronicle his every move – launched jumpers while Mandarin pop songs blared through the arena.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The search for answers grew more desperate after Payne, wracked with grief and hounded by reporters, died by suicide near the very spot where Mary’s body had been found.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Due to her insistent efforts, Yennefer’s army is growing, giving The Witcher the chance to namecheck several old friends from the show’s run, including Marti Södergren and the priestess Nenneke.
    Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Though Love is insistent that Hole will not reunite, she’s linked up with Auf der Maur over the years (sadly, their appearance at a Planned Parenthood benefit was cancelled due to the pandemic).
    Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Stephen Miller made these comments on CNN and was adamant that this would happen.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Although the film would have been far easier to finance if the production took place in another country, Hadi was adamant about shooting in his homeland.
    Alissa Simon, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Left in the dark Early in the pandemic, Florida was determined to keep a lid of secrecy on the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities.
    Kevin G. Hall, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • In a landscape of fear and scarcity, where basic ingredients are nearly impossible to find, Lamia sets out on a determined journey throughout the big city in search of eggs, flour and sugar.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dogged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogged. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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