Synonyms of chronic

chronic

adjective

ˈkrä-nik 

as in persistent

being such by habit and not likely to change

a chronic smoker who has quit—many, many times

Synonyms & Similar Words

• persistent
• serial
• habitual
• inveterate
• regular
• steady
• stubborn
• addicted
• confirmed
• natural
• prone
• dyed-in-the-wool
• bred-in-the-bone
• incorrigible
• repeat
• inherent
• born
• unregenerate
• intrinsic
• accustomed
• unfailing
• unchanging
• unreconstructed
• innate
• inbred
• entrenched
• obstinate
• used
• deep-seated
• deep-rooted
• apt
• habituated
• wonted
• inclined
• mulish
• set

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• occasional
• unused
• intermittent
• unaccustomed

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

Recent Examples of chronic

The donation includes $10 million to the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre in England for research and drug development focused on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other rare blood cancers. —ABC News, 6 May 2026

Nonopioid therapies are preferred and often as effective as opioids for chronic pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control’s opioid prescribing guidelines. —Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026

Celebrities Who Use Breathwork for Stress Breathwork’s mainstream moment has been pushed along by public figures who credit it for managing anxiety, performance pressure and chronic stress. —Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026

For everyday use, the Global Wellness Summit’s 2026 forecast frames nervous system regulation as something far more people are paying attention to now, not just trauma survivors, but anyone managing chronic stress, disrupted sleep or the physical toll of a busy modern life. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026