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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

Examples 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
If Tottori represents a new style of Japanese female executive, one who arrived in the C-suite through an unconventional path, Makiko Ono might be the premier example of a woman rising through dogged determination. Beth Greenfield, Fortune Asia, 7 Oct. 2024 The spike in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah coincides with dogged efforts on the part of the Biden administration to help secure a cease-fire deal with Hamas. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024
Verb
The ruling party has been dogged by corruption scandals which have divided the party. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2024 Ultimately, the goal is to break free from the same cycle of retributive politics that has dogged Bangladesh for decades. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dogged 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogged
Adjective
  • Understanding Workplace Anxiety Workplace anxiety refers to persistent fear and worry that occurs within job settings.
    Erik Pham, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Air quality improves An air quality alert was in place across Ventura County through late Saturday because of persistent smoke and ash from the fire.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This powerful, palm-sized tool hits the town on stubborn breakouts with a potent blend of blue (415 nm) and red (630 nm) light therapies.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Few modern artists do so much to persuade us that creative endeavor is a struggle—an anxious wrestling with the stubborn materials to hand, and a determination to plow on.
    Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In the startup ecosystem's relentless pursuit of growth, founders often mistake happiness for meaning.
    Jennifer Kamara, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Some voters might even have backed him because of his relentless falsehoods.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Trump has been particularly insistent that immigrants bring mostly trouble.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
  • His drumming was essential to the daring leap the Bee Gees made into the disco years, providing an insistent pulse for some of the decade’s most memorable hits.
    Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Nobody was more adamant about getting rid of the SITDs than Gabe, who had to convince and cajole last holdout Sam to agree to the deal.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 21 Nov. 2024
  • During the early stages of the war, Waltz was engaged with Ukrainian civil society members and was adamant in his criticism of Moscow.
    Nataliya Gumenyuk, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • At the core of his enforcement agenda is the cataclysmic fentanyl crisis, which must be addressed immediately and with the most determined, experienced leadership.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024
  • My students are determined to do something meaningful for society.
    R. Edward Freeman, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Eleven million people have fled their homes, pursued by men with guns and followed by famine.
    Angelina Jolie, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
  • After their convictions, the brothers pursued unsuccessful appeals.
    Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • After thousands of commenters urged her to call the police, Santry got in touch with the Columbus Division of Police and told her followers on TikTok that officers would be arriving the next day.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2024
  • These initiatives urged the Egyptian Football Association to promote the game in all parts of the country and thus, creating an official league.
    Assile Toufaily, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near dogged

Cite this Entry

“Dogged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogged. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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