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 Studies have linked heavy, chronic exposure of glyphosate to a 41% greater risk of non-Hodgkins’s lymphoma. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 10 July 2026 The commission has been plagued by partisan infighting and ineffectiveness, as well as chronic vacancies and a lack of funding. — Jen Fifield, ProPublica, 10 July 2026 As of 2024, chronic absenteeism rates were still 57 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels. — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026 Greg Brockman, the company's president, is officially responsible for OpenAI's most important and profitable projects after Fidji Simo stepped down from her role on Thursday due to chronic illness. — Ashley Capoot,kate Rooney, CNBC, 10 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
  • In his inital letter, Lehmkuhl agreed that there is an urgent need to clear debris and address the persistent odor of millions of pounds of rotting food at the site.
    — Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Though effective medication exists, the issue is persistent in areas with a lack of easy access to testing, treatment and clean water so people don't rely on local bodies of water for drinking and bathing.
    — William McCarthy, NPR, 4 July 2026
Definition of persistent
Adjective
  • Or the time a serial killer, who was actually Marlena under hypnosis, seemed to kill several beloved characters.
    — Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Although the plot of the film is fictional, the character of Leatherface was inspired by the American grave robber and serial killer Ed Gein.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 July 2026
Definition of serial
Adjective
  • Gold Tables may begin with regular diners, but the larger opportunity is to make restaurant-going feel more habitual, more social and more connected to the OpenTable ecosystem.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • In exchange for the plea, prosecutors pledged to not add a habitual offender enhancement, which could have added another 5-to-20 years to his sentence.
    — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 5 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
  • For a safer outdoor work environment, follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s guidance by scheduling regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned places.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • The regular portal window normally opens right after the championship game and lasts for 15 days.
    — Tobias Bass, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Definition of regular
Adjective
  • The swings for oil prices halted what had been a steady decline in gasoline prices, and the cost for a gallon climbed a nickel overnight, according to motor club AAA.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • Another reason why the outlook for oil is remaining steady is because trading during this conflict has proven the extent of the ample energy supplies from America.
    — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 9 July 2026
Definition of steady
Adjective
  • For lipedema, Power Plate points to research suggesting whole-body vibration boosts lymphatic flow, which may liquefy and drain stubborn lymph fluid, relieve swelling and ease chronic pain.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
  • The grower will plant again next season, because that is what Israelis do, and the hope in that is stubborn.
    — Frayda Leibtag, Time, 13 July 2026
Definition of stubborn
Adjective
  • Directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, the fifth installment follows Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the gang of anthropomorphic toys as their owner Bonnie becomes addicted to her new favorite gadget, a kiddie smart tablet known as Lilypad.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 21 June 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 15 Jul. 2026.

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