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 Stressful situations or chronic stress can lead to a consistently high heart rate, which in turn can interfere with sleep. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026 For chronic stress or anxiety, the website suggests starting the first session within the first hour of waking, with the app prompting a second session if needed. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026 For chronic stress, Pulsetto suggests a first session within an hour of waking. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 Iris Dekker — a 19-year-old from the Netherlands — started experiencing symptoms like chronic pain and depression in her early teens. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
Adjective
  • In the years since the band came together to challenge country radio’s persistent gender imbalance, there has been some significant headway.
    Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 2 June 2026
  • Since the initiative began, more than 200,000 children have moved out of poverty, but food insecurity remains a persistent challenge.
    Sky Beard, Sun Sentinel, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Courtemanche has long been thought to be one of the victims of the Connecticut River Valley serial killer, according to local media reports in New Hampshire.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • The bulk of these predatory lawsuits are filed by a small number of serial litigants and a handful of law firms, including San Diego firm Potter Handy and Manning Law in Orange County.
    Adam Summers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Thorpe is being charged as a second-offense habitual offender.
    Gino Vicci, CBS News, 4 June 2026
  • The largest genomic study to date, using data from over 408,000 participants in the UK Biobank, identified 42 genome-wide significant loci associated with habitual snoring, including genes expressed in the brain, cerebellum, lungs and esophagus.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Jeffries is an inveterate texter and typically responds to messages within an hour.
    Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Also, the industry essence of the French TV festival is co-production and Canadian producers are inveterate co-producers.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The state could distribute grocery store gift cards through community action agencies or other charitable nonprofits to assist households most in need until the next regular legislative session begins in January.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2026
  • To get more—and better—shuteye, Leng advised focusing on consistency, including regular bed and wake times.
    Brian Mastroianni, Health, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Excessive Heat When temperatures sit at a steady high, tomato plants get stressed.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
  • Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria — like South Africa — had been easing monetary policy before the conflict broke out, but chose to hold their lending rates steady in recent weeks.
    Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Grab a melamine sponge and get rid of stubborn bathtub stains in a jiffy.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 June 2026
  • If the Avs remain stubborn and play a style that suits their stars in the regular season, MacKinnon might win another title, but will be at the end of his career with another team.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • To address custody deaths in Los Angeles County jails, Bornman wants to increase staffing and drug searches and look at contracting with outside hospitals and treatment centers for ill and addicted people in jail.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 29 May 2026
  • Like many other young jazz artists of the period, however, he was deeply affected, not only by the playing, but by the lifestyles of the older beboppers who were his significant influences, many of whom had become addicted to drugs.
    Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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