chronic

adjective

ˈkrä-nik How to pronounce chronic (audio)
Definition of chronicnext
as in persistent
being such by habit and not likely to change a chronic smoker who has quit—many, many times

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This is good news for patients with unmet medical need — since these breakthroughs will hopefully address the thousands of rare diseases without treatments or reduce the burden of chronic killers such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. — Craig Garthwaite, Fortune, 24 July 2026 The sheriff-coroner’s determination on the cause of death was based on a forensic examination, Shields’ health and medical records and information provided by her family regarding her struggles with chronic alcohol use disorder. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 One of the key issues was a chronic lack of state investment in public healthcare. — Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026 Your reporting often focuses on societies living with chronic instability, whether conflict, displacement, or political violence. — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
  1. persistent
  2. serial
  3. habitual
  4. inveterate
  5. regular
  6. steady
  7. stubborn
  8. addicted
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
  • His new sci-fi thriller, Her Private Hell, promises similar vibes, as a serial killer stalks through a futuristic city shrouded in fog.
    — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 24 July 2026
  • Rodney Alcala, who would later become known as a serial killer, was also on the show—and was picked over the two other bachelors.
    — Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 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
  • Its five-year-old flagship combines a multibrand retail space with a coffee shop and hosts regular events spanning music, art and fashion.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 20 July 2026
  • The national average price for regular gasoline climbed back above $4 per gallon this morning, according to AAA.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 July 2026
Definition of regular
Adjective
  • The investment should be steady, the return measurable and the bar for funding low.
    — Farooque Munshi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Orcas have been observed ramming whale sharks as another orca held the prey steady.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
Definition of steady
Adjective
  • His crippling, his stubborn arrogance and refusal to be humbled, has somehow humanized the spoiled brat king.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • However, Sokolowski says oxygen bleach is a suitable option for lifting stubborn stains.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 July 2026
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • 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
  • The state does not sufficiently fund services for people who become addicted to gambling via the sports-betting apps on their phones, mental health experts say, and there are not enough therapists trained to treat gambling addiction.
    — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
Definition of addicted

Browse Nearby Words

chromaticity
chronic
chronically
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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of chronic for Spanish Speakers

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