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 Rural Americans are, on the whole, less healthy than their urban and suburban counterparts, with more chronic conditions and worse access to insurance. Lisa Jarvis, Twin Cities, 8 Apr. 2026 Yet for decades, this strategically important industry has been undermined by rampant customs fraud and chronic underinvestment in trade enforcement. Kim Glas, Footwear News, 7 Apr. 2026 Kobe Bryant, former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey are among those who’ve crossed the pond for solutions to chronic injuries. Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Some come to manage chronic lung disease; others reckon with a new lung cancer diagnosis. Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
Adjective
  • But his career ended prematurely when persistent groin problems eventually resulted in the diagnosis of a degenerative right side.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Tarver represents a South Side district and has been a persistent critic of Johnson’s approach to Springfield.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Last week, Massoni's Italian Restaurant in Perry Hall took to Facebook to warn other businesses of Nelson after becoming a victim of the serial dine-and-dasher.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The horrific discovery spurred a wider search on Long Island over the following year – nearly a dozen bodies were found in all – and raised fears of a serial killer on the loose.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Green is being charged as a fourth-offense habitual offender.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • As someone whose TikTok is algorithmically tuned to feed her Broadway interviews, curtain calls, and stage-door encounters, as well as a habitual lurker of the Just in Time Facebook group, Benjamin was familiar with the dance.
    Alexandra Starr, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Even Dougie, an inveterate screwup, isn’t without hidden depths—and Anthony, a natural hype man for whoever’s around, takes his plea for emotional support seriously, quickly becoming invested in a twisty succession crisis.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 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 shortstop, no stranger to being a role player, also marveled at Rosario’s ability to stay ready despite a lack of regular playing time.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Just like the Stars against Calgary, the Wild rallied from a pair of one-goal deficits against Seattle and are once again feeling good about their game heading into Thursday’s final regular-season meeting with the Stars.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Pollards Apiary and Gifts now attracts a steady stream of regulars, all of whom pull into her personal driveway and either drop cash or use Venmo to shop.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The threat of rising inflation will likely mean the central bank continues to hold interest rates steady.
    Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Data readiness, security, integrations, workflow redesign, and building human skills remain stubborn bottlenecks for true AI implementation.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Michigan made only two three-pointers all night but still muscled its way to a 69-63 victory over stingy, stubborn Connecticut.
    Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Such substances have drawn increasing scrutiny from researchers, regulators and families of those who’ve become addicted and as overdoses, hospitalizations and deaths have increased.
    Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026
  • That came today, following nine days of deliberation, when a jury in Los Angeles determined that both Meta and Google were guilty for allowing young users to become addicted and suffer mental health issues as a result.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 25 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on chronic

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster