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

In higher doses, people have used kratom to stave off chronic pain and even to help ease withdrawal from opioids. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 6 Nov. 2026

And the chronic pain that goes along with repetitive motions can create big issues down the line. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

The woman who died was in her 50s with underlying chronic medical conditions who was not vaccinated against the flu, according to a news release from the Sacramento County Public Health. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026

While there is a large body of neuromodulation research into chronic pain, depression, and anxiety, relatively little effort has gone into understanding related symptoms in the context of women’s health, says Wexler. — IEEE Spectrum, 5 Nov. 2026