CHRONIC Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

chronic

adjective

ˈkrä-nik

Definition of chronic

as in persistent

being such by habit and not likely to change a chronic smoker who has quit—many, many times

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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 The facility is licensed to house people with chronic mental illness, and had 26 people living there earlier this week. — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Eating a balanced diet with adequate protein and key nutrients, avoiding smoking, limiting excessive heat styling and harsh chemical treatments and managing chronic stress may all help support healthy hair growth. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Research shows that a high degree of academic pressure stems from fear of failure, chronic stress about workload and exams, worry about parental expectations and competition with peers for grades. — Erin Clabough, The Conversation, 31 July 2026 Older people need more frequent medical care, including for chronic conditions. — Runchana Pongsaparn, Fortune, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic

Adjective

Core inflation gives economists and policymakers a good sense of how persistent price pressures may be, and to gauge Americans’ view of prices, officials look at market and survey-based measures of inflation expectations.

— Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 July 2026
Powered by a turboprop engine producing roughly 900 horsepower, it is designed for persistent operations across large theatres of war.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026

Definition of persistent

Adjective

Eager as the women are to nab a serial killer, going after the network’s Epstein-like billionaire ringleader proves even more tempting.

— Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026
Could Kohberger have been a serial killer in the making, a man who hates women, or is there enough evidence to exonerate him altogether?

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026

Definition of serial

Adjective

Because of his previous felonies, though none for violent crimes, Pfister could now be defined as a habitual offender under Michigan law and faces prison.

— Kyung Lah, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Individual responses vary according to habitual use, genetics, age, medications and underlying health conditions.

— Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of habitual

Adjective

The inveterate white supremacist Woodrow Wilson mouthed anti-colonial rhetoric before reverting to form at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.

— Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
The far-outside post doesn’t compromise this inveterate deep closer, but a lack of pace up front definitely will.

— Teresa Genaro, New York Times, 5 June 2026

Definition of inveterate

Adjective

Why North Carolina should scare TCU Even before the advent of the transfer portal, the first game of a college football regular season has always had the predictability of a teenager.

— Mac Engel July 28, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Powers, who had previously started every game for the Broncos at left guard in 2023 and 2024, played through the broken foot for four remaining regular-season and playoff games in 2025.

— Luca Evans, Denver Post, 28 July 2026

Definition of regular

Adjective

The moment reflected the steady progress of Mahomes from season-ending knee surgery.

— Vahe Gregorian July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Despite the Federal Open Market Committee holding interest rates steady in July, markets now anticipate a September hike is more probable.

— Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026

Definition of steady

Adjective

Backed by water tankers and a helicopter, firefighters on Sunday fought to contain a stubborn wildfire in Northern California that prompted officials to order evacuations.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
Individual quality and a moment of magic can often be the key to unlock a stubborn defence, and Vinicius Jr has frequently been the difference for Madrid.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

Now, with one-year mercenary players plus rapid roster turnover, the first game deters even the most addicted sports gambler.

— Mac Engel July 28, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
The story follows Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and crew as their owner Bonnie becomes addicted to her new favorite gadget, a kiddie smart tablet known as Lilypad.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 9 July 2026

Definition of addicted

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“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of chronic

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