Synonym Chooser

How is the word inveterate distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words chronic and confirmed are common synonyms of inveterate. While all three words mean "firmly established," inveterate applies to a habit, attitude, or feeling of such long existence as to be practically ineradicable or unalterable.

an inveterate smoker

Where would chronic be a reasonable alternative to inveterate?

The words chronic and inveterate can be used in similar contexts, but chronic suggests something that is persistent or endlessly recurrent and troublesome.

a chronic complainer

In what contexts can confirmed take the place of inveterate?

The meanings of confirmed and inveterate largely overlap; however, confirmed implies a growing stronger and firmer with time so as to resist change or reform.

a confirmed bachelor

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 inveterate An inveterate traveler who had explored 60-plus countries and often incorporated historical art and cultural references into her designs, McFadden died in September at the age of 85. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025 My wife and younger son, however, are inveterate puzzle solvers. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025 An inveterate performer, Carvey gave off a sense of perpetual people-pleasing, and the results were undeniably popular and hilarious, as the laughs echoed throughout his sketches. Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 16 Feb. 2025 Cecilia Rodriguez is a professional journalist and inveterate traveler covering Culture and Travel trends in Europe. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inveterate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveterate
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Gjoshe had suffered a deep wound to his upper arm and had to wait until Tuesday for surgery.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • But babies, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic lung conditions are more likely to get seriously sick, developing illnesses like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
    Evan Moore November 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 2025
  • According to the superintendent, chronic absenteeism was a large factor in its letter grade drop and has created plans for each of its schools to celebrate and encourage attendance.
    Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In Japan, there’s a strong focus on nurturing lifelong bonds with each fan — the kind of fan who will buy CDs and cherish that artist for years.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Opening Auburn Taverna is a lifelong dream of Callis, whose background is in education.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The intention of the multi-track is to remove the inherent misalignment of a product and its value chain from the traditional product creation calendar.
    Raj Dhiman, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2025
  • But Sauer argued that the doctrine doesn’t hold with regard to foreign affairs, where the President has some inherent constitutional authority.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • While some individuals have produced hardcore pornographic clips starring Disney and comic book characters, others on the platform have succeeded in prompting Grok Imagine to conjure lewd imagery of Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, and Sydney Sweeney.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
  • It's designed to match players of similar skills into game lobbies and create a gameplay experience that doesn't pit new or casual players against hard-core players or pros who will likely annihilate them.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This would produce longer and more entrenched anger from many of the very people Josh Harris would, very much, like to sell PSL licenses and tickets and merch during the next few years.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
  • As promised, the memoir focuses on the years 1977 to 1980, when Robertson became close pals and housemates with director Martin Scorsese, more entrenched in the Hollywood community and less with his former mates in the Band.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • These passages reflect how divided the planet once was, how easily myths about the United States could become rooted in other countries.
    Tope Folarin, The Atlantic, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Mallade said these moments helped make the film both more specific and more universal, something that’s heavily rooted in its time and place while resonating with all audiences.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • For confirmed flights, passengers should arrive to the airport two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
    Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
  • During a press conference on Wednesday, Trump was asked about the details of the new directive and confirmed report.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inveterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveterate. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

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