Synonyms of chronic

chronic

adjective

ˈkrä-nik 

as in persistent

being such by habit and not likely to change

a chronic smoker who has quit—many, many times

Synonyms & Similar Words

• persistent
• serial
• habitual
• inveterate
• regular
• steady
• stubborn
• addicted
• confirmed
• natural
• prone
• dyed-in-the-wool
• bred-in-the-bone
• incorrigible
• repeat
• inherent
• born
• unregenerate
• intrinsic
• accustomed
• unfailing
• unchanging
• unreconstructed
• innate
• inbred
• entrenched
• obstinate
• used
• deep-seated
• deep-rooted
• apt
• habituated
• wonted
• inclined
• mulish
• set

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• occasional
• unused
• intermittent
• unaccustomed

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

Recent Examples of chronic

Prolonged shelter stays contribute to chronic stress, disrupt children’s education and create barriers to employment for parents. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, chronic absenteeism — which the state defines as missing 18 school days — soared to 29% of students in the 2022-23 school year. —Jake Shore, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

The food bank has a dietitian to tailor the meals to the patients' diseases, including diabetes, renal disease, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders or other chronic illenesses. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026

Of roughly 45,000 inmates booked annually, 50% disclose chronic illness and approximately 30% of the remaining half are unaware or don’t reveal a chronic sickness. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026