Synonym Chooser

How is the word chronic distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words confirmed and inveterate are common synonyms of chronic. While all three words mean "firmly established," chronic suggests something that is persistent or endlessly recurrent and troublesome.

a chronic complainer

When can confirmed be used instead of chronic?

The words confirmed and chronic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, confirmed implies a growing stronger and firmer with time so as to resist change or reform.

a confirmed bachelor

When could inveterate be used to replace chronic?

While the synonyms inveterate and chronic are close in meaning, inveterate applies to a habit, attitude, or feeling of such long existence as to be practically ineradicable or unalterable.

an inveterate smoker

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 chronic Many caregivers feel overwhelmed and experience chronic stress due to the emotional toll of dementia caregiving. Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025 People with a lower SES often have more severe and chronic atopic dermatitis. Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 29 Apr. 2025 Key Takeaways Smoking, heavy drinking, and physical inactivity all increase the risk of numerous chronic health conditions by age 36, according to a new study. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Family members can also develop psychosomatic consequences such as chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, and a general sense of disorientation. William Mullane, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
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
  • That said, the fascination with Joe reflects a larger cultural obsession with serial killers.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Many of their remains were discovered in 2010 and 2011 on Gilgo Beach, leading investigators to suspect a serial killer was responsible for the deaths.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In this perp’s youth, a seemingly nascent case of schizophrenia was exacerbated by habitual LSD use and the yellow nattering Thronglets, which convinced him that their chirping contains a cryptic, apocalyptic message.
    Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Smythe was ultimately charged with one count each of being an armed habitual criminal, unlawful use of a weapon of a felon and possession of more than 100 grams of cannabis.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • An inveterate traveler who had explored 60-plus countries and often incorporated historical art and cultural references into her designs, McFadden died in September at the age of 85.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
  • My wife and younger son, however, are inveterate puzzle solvers.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Still in regular contact with his two now-teenagers by his fashion designer ex-wife, Georgina Chapman, Weinstein had wanted to shield them from the fact of his cancer.
    Phoebe Eaton, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Knowles wants women to remember to get regular screenings–early detection is key.
    Essence, Essence, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s been a place that has been steady through all the change our family has been through the past 10 years.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars are steady at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 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
  • In this offbeat and surreal comedy, frustrated playwright Mark becomes addicted to huffing perfume to conjure memories from a previous Italian summer vacation.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
  • In this offbeat and surreal comedy, frustrated playwright Mark becomes addicted to huffing perfume to conjure memories from a previous Italian summer vacation.
    Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chronic

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