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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
Roy emailed me hoping to highlight a neighbor whose dogged dedication to moderating a neighborhood group chat helped keep an entire community in Encino safe and informed during the fires. Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025 Movano has thus far shown a dogged dedication to adhering to medical industry best practices and standards. Victoria Song, The Verge, 7 Jan. 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
  • These include persistent anxiety, trouble sleeping, recurring headaches, high blood pressure, and feelings of burnout, Patrick said.
    Julia Ries, Health, 8 Mar. 2025
  • But minutes into Trump’s speech, Rep. Al Green (D-TX), 77, was forcibly removed from the House chamber for his persistent demonstration.
    Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Another type of hyperpigmentation that kojic acid can help with is melasma—a stubborn and hard-to-treat skin condition characterized by splotchy, brown or grayish patches.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Like this Fire sign, Drizella is unapologetically stubborn and impatience, believing she is entitled to nothing but the best.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The relentless pushing reaches a point of questioning.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Deirdre Robespierre Like Capricorns, Dierdre is an overachiever and relentless in her pursuit of success.
    Athena Sobhan, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But Meghan, 43, was insistent, recalling that her mom, Doria Ragland, loved the West Coast fast food chain’s signature tacos.
    Meredith Kile, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Several reports have said there’s a new iPad Air on the way, though Gurman is insistent that won’t come just yet.
    David Phelan, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Warner was adamant that oppressors should be stopped not only using military force, but also with intellectual muscle and dialogue.
    Chris Yogerst / Made by History, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
  • House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican who championed the law in 2022, has been adamant that mandatory financial reserves for building maintenance are essential in preventing another building from crumbling to the ground.
    Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The determined toddler finally made his way across the driveway toward the house, but another challenge awaited — climbing the stairs.
    Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
  • My gallerist is walking rapidly toward us with a very determined expression.
    Anelise Chen, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 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 12 Mar. 2025.

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