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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
On Saturday night, Berger was the perfect analog for a dogged, resilient German performance. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 July 2025 Years before starring in Desperate Housewives, Hatcher played the dogged journalist opposite Dean Cain's Superman in the '90s TV show Lois & Clark. Grace Gavilanes, People.com, 11 July 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
  • One woman's recent attempt to catch a break from a relentless game of fetch with her canine has become a viral TikTok moment, capturing the sweet and persistent nature of a Labrador retriever.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
  • But a fair number of Perseids are typically fast, bright and occasionally leave persistent trains.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s the case for Scorpio: Wednesday is suss, secretive, brooding, vengeful and stubborn.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • For Baxter and the stubborn Scot, this marked, at last, the reality of war’s end.
    Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • These changes stem from patient feedback, case reviews and a relentless curiosity about emerging techniques.
    Sacha Obaid, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • And a vindication of a season of relentless winning on the third and second tiers of professional tennis, the substance that makes Mboko the real deal, not a fleeting shooting star.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • While the Dead celebrates its 60th anniversary, Grahame is insistent that the music will live on for generations.
    Mark Gray, People.com, 17 July 2025
  • Less insistent on being the loudest voice in the room.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • However, Coast Guard officials were adamant that FEMA makes the ultimate decision, and that FEMA’s choices may differ from the Coast Guard’s recommendations.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
  • However, she’s remained adamant that to pull off paying homage to the famed actress, everything must be done right.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Seven months in, the administration is determined to keep that pledge.
    Matt Alderton, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Wendy is determined to save her brother, and leads her synth group to his location on the ship by magically controlling computer screens.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 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 22 Aug. 2025.

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