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 Over time, lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can raise your risk of chronic (long-term) diseases. Laura Schober, Health, 30 June 2025 No chronic illness, no prescription medications, normal blood work and all that in my physical exams. Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Recently, one of my patients — living on the streets and battling severe depression — faced a series of emergency hospitalizations due to unmanaged chronic illness. Pia Valvassori, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2025 Beyond affecting gut health, inadequate enzyme activity can also lead to chronic inflammation and may even contribute to autoimmune problems. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
Adjective
  • Many prominent men across sports, music, business and politics have opened up about their mental health struggles, helping to chip away at the persistent stigma that discourages men from seeking help.
    Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2025
  • This suggested that the persistent activity of PKMζ is required to maintain a memory.
    Ajdina Halilovic, Wired News, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • The waters of a Texas lake remain shrouded in mystery as dozens of young men’s bodies continue to be pulled from the depths, putting a community on edge as rumors of a serial killer continue to swirl.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
  • This time, we're introduced to Lottie, a grandmother who moonlights as a serial killer—and is forced to come out of retirement due to a series of unfortunate events.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • This new link between caffeine and AMPK could mean that habitual coffee drinkers have better stress resistance and cell turnover.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
  • This step is about making the unconscious conscious to uncover habitual patterns and limiting beliefs.
    Neerja Bhatia, Forbes.com, 23 June 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
  • Most regular smokers begin in their teenage years, with nearly 90% of them picking up the habit before turning 18, according to the Ministry of Health.
    Lisa Klaassen, CNN Money, 1 July 2025
  • The Fever announced Clark’s absence in a status report before the game, which will not count towards the team’s regular season standings.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Qualified users should understand that legal medical use does not override employer policy or federal restrictions, and employers should be prepared to stand behind the decisions those policies produce. Parting Thoughts HB 46 continues Texas’ slow but steady march toward broader cannabis access.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The Federal Reserve on June 18 held interest rates steady at a range between 4.25% and 4.5% for a fourth straight meeting despite Trump's public lobbying for a lower rate and his insults directed at Powell.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the people that is most stubborn in their support of these spendy projects is Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana.
    Roger Valdez, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • For indoor brick, keep it simple by trying a slightly damp brush to sweep away stubborn dirt.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • After the show ended, Dunham became addicted to prescription anxiety medication.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
  • Rayya was an addict, and during the course of her dying, relapsed and became addicted to cocaine again.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chronic

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