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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
Doing the little things right — like playing dogged perimeter defense — will pay off in big ways for Kuminga in the Dubs. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025 The depth, d, selflessness and just dogged determination is just flat out fun to watch. Brendan Quinn, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
At the same time, he could be dogged in pursuit of the right work, especially at auction. Ted Loos, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 As the year ends, Netanyahu is spending some of it in a courtroom to fight corruption charges that have dogged him since 2019. NPR, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for dogged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogged
Adjective
  • The rapid rise of ransomware attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities and data breaches has created an environment of persistent uncertainty, leaving organizations grappling with how to stay resilient in the face of evolving threats.
    Francis Dinha, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In a bold move to address one of America’s most persistent healthcare crises, Chicago Beyond has launched a groundbreaking fellowship initiative, committing $2 million to support four exceptional birth workers dedicated to improving Black maternal health outcomes nationwide.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.
    Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This dedication serves as the driving force behind every donation, propelling us forward in our relentless pursuit of progress in cancer research.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2025
  • After Cooper Flagg knocked down a pair of free throws at the 11:54 mark to give the Blue Devils a 56-42 lead, Houston stormed back with a relentless 28-11 run to complete a stunning rally and punch their ticket to the title game.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But that’s where Adolescence pushes its insistent finger down our fragile parental psyches.
    Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • But for the radical feminist Andrea Dworkin, who died in 2005 at the age of 58, the insistent antifeminism of some conservative women was never perplexing at all.
    Jennifer Szalai, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Paul has been adamant that the tariffs won’t help the U.S. His frustration with the tariffs came as seven GOP senators signed on to a bipartisan bill that sought to have Congressional oversight over the president’s tariffs.
    Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The 12-time Emmy award-winner was also adamant about sharing her cancer journey with her audience—hoping that her experience might offer support and guidance to others facing similar challenges.
    Joanne Fowler, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Whereas Selena exudes ambition, Pete is inexplicably determined not to advance in his job — which is tricky, since Willie keeps killing his superiors, which means Pete’s bound to become captain eventually, if only by process of elimination.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Flay and their team were determined to change that.
    Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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