DOGGED Synonyms: 253 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

dogged 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdȯ-gəd

Definition of dogged next

as in persistent

continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement a madman who spent his life in dogged pursuit of power

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stubborn

sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion your dogged adherence to a really lame argument is embarrassing

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relentless

showing no signs of slackening or yielding in one's purpose a dogged search for the missing piece of the puzzle

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dogged

2 of 2

verb

past tense of dog

as in chased

to go after or on the track of star athletes being dogged by fans when they're out in public

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hounded

to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders tired of constantly having to dog their son about cleaning his room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Without the dogged work of ethical journalists, the Watergate scandal may have never been exposed. —

Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024 Its people and institutions have mounted a committed response to the drug menace through education, treatment programs and the dogged work of the city’s police force. —

Michelle Weber, Longreads, 6 Dec. 2024

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

Interest rates and the overall investment climate The persistent elevation of interest rates has reshaped the investment landscape, forcing companies to rethink growth strategies over the past years.

— Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
The persistent decline in China’s 10-year government bond yield — to record lows around 1.58% this month— prompted the People’s Bank of China on Jan. 10 to stop its government bond purchases .

— Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2025