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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
  • These two ingredients mixed together creates a powerful mixture perfect for lifting stubborn stains off grout because of their high cleaning and brightening properties.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The vinegar cleaning method isn’t foolproof, and sometimes stubborn residue can remain on your microwave walls.
    Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
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
  • The pursuit ended in Chula Vista when the vehicle being chased crashed into another vehicle.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
  • No, not the space being chased, with the top six teams in each conference advancing directly to the playoffs and the next four to the play-in round.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • About 50 seconds into overtime, Utah appeared to have possession with a chance to clear, but Werenski, Fantilli, Marchenko and Voronkov hounded the puck, using all means to keep it in the zone.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
  • They’re hounded into the hereafter.
    Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sometimes the people are extremely pushy and insistent.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Donna Adelson began a fierce campaign against Markel to relocate the children and Wendi down to South Florida with her, but Markel remained insistent on keeping the kids in Tallahassee, 500 miles away, according to authorities.
    Mason Leath, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2026
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
  • She was pronounced dead at the scene, and her cause of death was later determined to be blunt force trauma to the head, the Athens-Clarke County Coroner’s Office and Morgue confirmed to PEOPLE.
    Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Two years later, Poppy is determined to get them back on track.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dogged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogged. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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