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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

Examples 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
The spike in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah coincides with dogged efforts on the part of the Biden administration to help secure a cease-fire deal with Hamas. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024 Chronicling the historic efforts of the ALU, Union is an intimate and surprising story of dogged determination, unorthodox tactics, and speaking up despite David vs. Goliath odds. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2024
Verb
The ruling party has been dogged by corruption scandals which have divided the party. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2024 Ultimately, the goal is to break free from the same cycle of retributive politics that has dogged Bangladesh for decades. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dogged 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogged
Adjective
  • Be persistent, and don’t let an airline just pocket your money.
    Christopher Elliott, King Features Syndicate, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The long-lasting falsehoods about the 2020 election, including former President Trump’s persistent claim President Biden stole the last election, has sparked fears that misinformation and disinformation could rapidly spread online and sow distrust in the official electoral process.
    Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • McCaffrey hadn’t played since the Super Bowl in Las Vegas while battling a stubborn case of Achilles tendinitis.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • You might be tempted to whip out your strongest acne-fighting products to destroy your stubborn zit.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The evolution of malware is a relentless game of cat and mouse, and Android users are once again in the crosshairs.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This absurd claim is an extension of their relentless obsession to remove checks and balances within our government.
    Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Moody yet insistent, Purple Basil can conjure disparate moods depending on the lighting of a room or even the sheen of a particular bookcase or molding.
    Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2024
  • Advertisement Movies For Subscribers The 27 best movie theaters in Los Angeles Nov. 22, 2023 During a long country weekend, however, the hosts’ energetic hospitality betrays an edge, mainly to do with Paddy’s mercurial, insistent personality and flashes of ill temper toward Ant.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Courtney is adamant that their mom (Vernee Watson) needs cataract surgery, but as the more successful sister, Gaby’s words carry more weight.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Paul Heyman, one of the key figures in The Bloodline saga, has been adamant that WWE remains in the early stages of a storyline that started way back in 2020.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • And Powell made clear that the Fed is determined to maintain its statutory independence from Congress and the Presidency.
    Peter Green, Quartz, 9 Nov. 2024
  • Appointment or not, all were determined to make it to the border and eventually Southern California.
    Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • After their convictions, the brothers pursued unsuccessful appeals.
    Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2024
  • Eleven million people have fled their homes, pursued by men with guns and followed by famine.
    Angelina Jolie, TIME, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Israel has urged the residents of the villages to head north of the Awali River, the IDF’s Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X, referring to the river that is a third of the way into Lebanon's entire length.
    NBC News, NBC News, 4 Oct. 2024
  • After thousands of commenters urged her to call the police, Santry got in touch with the Columbus Division of Police and told her followers on TikTok that officers would be arriving the next day.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near dogged

Cite this Entry

“Dogged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogged. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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