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 Money, and his chronic lack of it, would worry him for the rest of his life. Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025 Follow-up studies of people aged between 52 and 89 showed that those aging rapidly were 60% more likely to develop dementia, 18% more likely to be diagnosed with chronic illnesses, and 40% more likely to die within the same period compared to those who were aging at a slower pace. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025 In the 1970s, though, economic events and public policy decisions conspired to drive people onto the streets again — and, ever since, Los Angeles has suffered chronic homelessness, with more unsheltered people than any other city in the United States. Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 As conversations around nutrition, metabolic health, and food education continue to grow, keto is becoming a powerful tool for weight management, reversing chronic illness, and sustaining a healthier lifestyle. Essence, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
Adjective
  • While the overall economic forecast remains ambiguous due to persistent worries regarding tariffs affecting major trading partners—which may incite inflation and hinder growth—Goldman is projected to gain from robust performance in its trading division.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The story, separated into three sections—Blue, Red, and White—travels a spiraled, associative, and fragmented path, making persistent returns to the events connected to the photograph.
    Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Girl Who Survived casts Robillard as the 15-year-old title character, an aspiring model in 1980s Los Angeles who shockingly gets caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous serial killer.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
  • Now, serial leaker Majin Bu, in a new interview, spotted by MacRumors, claims that the Dynamic Island is going to change.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Critical thinking is the capacity to step outside habitual models and mental shortcuts.
    Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • Murrill’s office also invoked the habitual offenders statute, where criminal defendants can be tagged as habitual offenders after a fourth felony charge, according to Louisiana law, and face longer prison sentences.
    PJ Green July 18, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Walczak has been an inveterate tax scofflaw since at least 2011.
    Christopher Hale, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Try adding kamut berries (grains) to soups, stews, and salads, or using kamut flour in place of regular wheat flour in baked goods.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Unlike regular conditioners, which often focus solely on moisture, these formulas are designed to boost volume, strengthen strands, and improve the look of thinning hair.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Its adjustable cords allow for subtle resistance changes, and the arched legs keep everything steady.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Its eventual core range will all be built on the same quiet, steady progress that’s defined the last couple years.
    Felipe Schrieberg, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • But earth sign parents can also lean toward being stubborn and strict, which may cause friction during a stand off or while navigating discipline or tough conversations.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 15 July 2025
  • Whether your hair is naturally dry or parched from excessive color treatments and heat styling, brittle strands are a stubborn bummer.
    Annie Blackman, Glamour, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The point is, people are connected, if not addicted, to their phones.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Assembly Bill 408 would keep details about addicted doctors under wraps as long as those doctors voluntarily enter a new, confidential diversion program that the bill would allow the Medical Board to create.
    Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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