inveterate

inveterate

adjective

Definition of INVETERATE

1

firmly established over time <he has an inveterate tendency to tell some very tall tales>

Synonyms bred-in-the-bone, confirmed, deep, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched (also intrenched), hard-core, rooted, settled

Related Words firm, fixed, frozen, hard, hard-and-fast, immutable, irradicable, set, unalterable, unchangeable; embedded (also imbedded), implanted, inculcated, instilled; inborn, inbred, ingrained (also engrained), inherent, innate, integral, intrinsic, natural; accustomed, chronic, customary, habitual, regular, typical, usual; abiding, enduring, lifelong, persistent, persisting

Near Antonyms brief, ephemeral, fleeting, impermanent, interim, momentary, provisional, short-lived, short-term, temporary, transient

2

being such by habit and not likely to change <the man is an inveterate liar who only rarely tells the truth>

Synonyms bred-in-the-bone, chronic, confirmed, dyed-in-the-wool, inveterate

Related Words incorrigible, unreconstructed, unregenerate; born, natural; persistent, regular, repeat, serial, steady, unchanging, unfailing; addicted; accustomed, habituated, used, wonted; deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched (also intrenched), inbred, inherent, innate, intrinsic; apt, inclined, prone; mulish, obstinate, set, stubborn

Near Antonyms unaccustomed, unused; intermittent, occasional