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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

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
And in a recent piece for Foreign Affairs, drawing on a new book co-authored with Hussein Agha, Malley argues that the cause of that disappointment is Washington’s dogged insistence on a two-state solution that neither Israelis nor Palestinians really want. Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2025 Her dogged efforts to get every manuscript into print succeeded, and Wade makes the best of a musty publishing saga. Judith Thurman, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
His three-term tenure as the state’s top lawyer also was dogged by criminal investigations, fraud allegations, an impeachment and allegations of infidelity. Philip Jankowski austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026 Courteney Cox‘s dogged reporter/stand-in for media immorality Gale Weathers will naturally be on the scene once again, as well a host of recurring characters, fan favorites, and old faces from all six of the previous entries. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dogged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogged
Adjective
  • Regular applications of organic neem oil spray can significantly reduce persistent pests and diseases.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026
  • But the late-Baroque facade of the building conceals a special, darker history, one that reflects persistent political and legal problems for the bank thousands of miles away, in the US.
    Hugo Miller, Bloomberg, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Early connections should feel easier as affectionate Venus forms a supportive sextile with intense Pluto, encouraging us to handle stubborn issues with honest talks and practical teamwork.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Spend less time focusing on prep and cleaning and more time focusing on the food with our favorite kitchen tools, which can make poached eggs in minutes, reseal bags of ingredients, open stubborn jars, and more.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • So too is a work ethic peers often describe as relentless, paired with a preternatural optimism that keeps him pushing through setbacks.
    Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Mafe is a relentless, consistently productive edge rusher who averaged 49 pressures per season over the last three years.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The closing sequence, where Scarpetta is chased through her home by the murderer, was filmed on the final day of shooting.
    Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Kathie Lee Gifford never chased fame.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Duff’s rise to fame coincided with the peak of early-2000s tabloid culture that hounded stars like Britney Spears.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Hannah recalled to Entertainment Weekly in 1993 that she was being hounded on questions about their potential wedding.
    Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Players talk more quietly, reciting insistent promises that this team isn’t that bad.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The drums become more insistent, the harmonies stack higher, and suddenly all the movement has a direction.
    Precious Fondren, Pitchfork, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • What is that key meant to represent, and why was Mycroft so adamant about Sherlock literally and figuratively closing that book and moving on with his life?
    Max Gao, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Getting everyone on board As the legislative committee develops initiatives to help cut down red tape, Wicks is adamant that new state regulations are just one piece of the puzzle that municipalities must also solve.
    Amancai Biraben, Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Dengler endured endless torture and other miseries — escaping from prison was just the beginning of his ordeal in the jungle — but Bale plays him as a determined optimist, an indomitable spirit that cannot be crushed.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026
  • We are both disciplined, determined and accomplished men.
    Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dogged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogged. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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