hangdog

adjective

ˈhaŋ-ˌdȯg How to pronounce hangdog (audio)
Definition of hangdognext
as in sad
feeling unhappiness "Why do you look so hangdog today?" she asked

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 hangdog His Mickey is pleasantly mumbly, with a hangdog mien that’s often crosscut with a don’t-underestimate-me swagger. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2022 Vic accepts his highly public and private humiliation with hangdog equanimity. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Mar. 2022 Segel earns some empathy as a hangdog Everyman, though his backstory remains such a deliberate blank that any insight is mostly gleaned from his blundering missteps and low-simmering misery. — Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2022 Another slip here is the casting of Effros in the lead role of Martin, a hangdog techie who travels from New York to Cape Cod to settle the estate of his late, estranged dad, Kenneth. — Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2022 See All Example Sentences for hangdog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hangdog
  1. sad
  2. depressed
  3. unhappy
  4. heartbroken
  5. miserable
  6. melancholy
  7. bad
  8. sorry
Adjective
  • Biden as the progressive hero, and Obama as the sad, weak appendage to the Reagan era.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
  • But my partner’s son is sad his own father is also less involved but doesn’t see the cause.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 29 July 2026
Definition of sad
Adjective
  • When Magic Lotus becomes secretly depressed after another death in the ring at his hands, Tongchai supports his exile into nature from the boxing world.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 29 July 2026
  • For those feeling exhausted, depressed or burned out, or as if one more issue or crisis will be tomorrow’s tipping point, now is the time to act.
    — Dr. Talia Varley, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of depressed
Adjective
  • Even Republicans appear to be increasingly unhappy with the prolonged conflict.
    — Mark Osborne, CBS News, 29 July 2026
  • But Buckingham Palace staff are reportedly unhappy again about the idea of accommodating the duke.
    — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
Definition of unhappy
Adjective
  • Local photographers are heartbroken after a young eagle was hit and killed by a train in Beaver County earlier this month.
    — Jessica Guay, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Glen’s family is deeply shocked and heartbroken by this tragic loss and respectfully requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 29 July 2026
Definition of heartbroken
Adjective
  • Maybe people don’t realize, but a lot of shows become miserable to work on.
    — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • Despite the miserable May that cast their season into the wilderness, the ability is still there.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of miserable
Adjective
  • Elsewhere, sharp use is made of a playful score by longtime Johnson collaborator Jay McCarrol, with sleepy piano passages echoing underlying notes of melancholy.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • The resulting track carries a hint of classic Athens melancholy while centering on one of Chura’s most hopeful songs to date.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 23 July 2026
Definition of melancholy
Adjective
  • The period of military rule has fared worse than previous civilian governments, analysts say, with armed groups increasing their footprint across the country and the Sahel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • At one point, King and backup center Nick Samac had a bad exchange on a shotgun snap.
    — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • If everyone in your party ordered these tacos, no one would be sorry.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • And sorry, fans, Keisean Nixon’s starting spot is likely not in jeopardy because of the fellow South Carolina Gamecock.
    — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of sorry

Browse Nearby Words

hang back
hangdog
hanger-on
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hangdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hangdog. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of hangdog for Spanish Speakers

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