Definition of chronicnext

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 Foster acknowledged state efforts to hold the district accountable have at times been justified, including in 2023 when TEA investigated chronic failings in the district’s special education department. Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026 Turmeric shows promise for chronic inflammation and may offer similar benefits to ibuprofen in some conditions but with fewer side effects, especially when formulated for enhanced absorption. Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026 Excess protein may accelerate kidney function decline in individuals with conditions like chronic kidney disease, Jaisinghani cautions. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 Symptoms typically show up after 10 to 12 years of chronic use, according to Cedars-Sinai. Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
Adjective
  • The polar vortex is a persistent, large-scale cyclone that circles the Arctic and contains extremely cold air.
    Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Feb. 2026
  • How must Yves Bissouma, who was left out of the squad for August’s UEFA Super Cup penalty shootout defeat to Paris-Saint Germain due to persistent lateness, feel watching his team-mate avoid facing the consequences?
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Curry, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and It, played serial killer and rapist Billy Flynn in the fifth and sixth seasons of the show.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The serial entrepreneur then rebranded the venture to a personal training platform Sweat App, which garnered an online community of 50 million members.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The temporomandibular joint — located adjacent to the masseter muscle — connects the lower jaw to the skull, and structural issues or habitual grinding and clenching of the teeth can lead to stiffness in the jaw, headaches and more.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Raymond Ratzel, 43, is charged with nine counts of burglary of a building or dwelling, all as a habitual criminality repeater.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Chris Matthews, the inveterate Washington insider and analyst, joins us to talk about the state of politics and the press.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2025
  • The La Mancha manor home’s namesake, Josie, (real name is José Fernández-Pacheco) is an inveterate aesthete who is best known to Spanish television audiences as a presenter extraordinaire.
    Maite Sebastiá, Architectural Digest, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Its International Series has been bringing select regular-season games to cities in England, Mexico, Germany and Brazil, among others, for almost 20 years.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Fox Sports will air 12 regular season football games on Fox, FS1 or FS2 and will continue broadcasting the football conference championship game.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • When military assets are deployed into American communities under the guise of immigration enforcement, there is a steady erosion of the boundaries that constrain permissible state violence.
    Binaifer Nowrojee, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
  • While there have been signs of overall slower consumer spending in the past year, American Express has continued to post steady sales growth, supported by strong demand for travel, dining and everyday purchases among its highest-spending customers, analysts say.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • California continues to face a stubborn digital divide.
    William Jones, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Experts warn that the stubborn metric has long-term implications for learning.
    Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Being very addicted to the male gaze and being this party queen with two children felt adequate.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Her father became addicted to OxyContin after a back injury, and her cousin died of an overdose.
    Tom W. Johnson, STAT, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on chronic

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