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doggedness

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noun

dogged

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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
His new contract reflects how pleased his new team is by his impact on that front. Tucker, known for his dogged defense, fiery approach, and effectiveness on catch-and-shoot three-point attempts, especially from the corners, has career averages of 6.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals. Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Will Forte, John Cena, Lana Condor and Tone Bell star in the movie, which follows Wile E. Coyote, who, after Acme products fail him one too many times in his dogged pursuit of the Roadrunner, decides to hire a billboard lawyer to sue the Acme Corporation. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
But it’s been dogged by controversy over resurfaced racist tweets by trans star Gascón. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025 This year, one of the Best Picture contenders has been dogged by controversy, while in several other categories, the race feels a lot more wide open than in past years. Sean Collins, Vox, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dogged
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dogged
Adjective
  • There are medications available to help with persistent skin conditions, Cortright said.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • But persistent homophobia and an anti-LGBTQ+ political climate have still made too many companies, Disney included, skittish about capitalizing on that trend.
    Ana Osorno, Them., 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Why Communication Training Often Fails To Stick Some people are very stubborn and stick to their communication style, even when confronted.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Traders do see the Fed cutting in June, but much can change between now and then, and a stubborn central bank could set off Trump again.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Starks is a natural leader with a relentless motor who isn't afraid to make contact.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Google’s index ballooned as its crawlers struggled to process this relentless deluge of pages.
    Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • OpenAI recommends including three key reminders in all agent prompts: persistence (keeping going until resolution), tool-calling (using available tools rather than guessing), and planning (thinking before acting).
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Zaragoza’s persistence, and Martinez’s gamble to uproot his family, were massively rewarded in the years that followed.
    Joshua Korber Hoffman, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a small conference room of a Manhattan hotel, Nicolás García is insistent.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But David also kind of forced Kyle to repeatedly defend her by being way too insistent that Kamilla be the one to go.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, White House officials have remained adamant about sticking by Hegseth, even as criticism has mounted in recent weeks and questions about his judgment have resurfaced.
    Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the significant decline, the Trump administration is adamant about shoring up the border to ensure it is left secure before leaving office.
    Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Nick, now focused on his role as the heir to his grandfather’s empire, and Noah, just beginning to build her own career, are determined to keep their distance, despite their ​undeniable attraction​ and the past that connects them.
    Veronica Villafañe, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Is this morally corrupt crowd determined to ignore constitutional obligations rather than ever admit a mistake?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The Home Service Insurance segment experienced a decline in premiums, attributed to strategic actions to improve sales quality and persistency, as well as economic pressures such as inflation.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dogged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dogged. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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