INVETERATE Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inveterate

adjective

in-ˈve-t(ə-)rət

Definition of inveterate next

as in deep

firmly established over time he has an inveterate tendency to tell some very tall tales

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chronic

being such by habit and not likely to change the man is an inveterate liar who only rarely tells the truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 As Swifties will know, Taylor Swift is an inveterate mom-meeter. —

Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 14 Aug. 2025 Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Walczak has been an inveterate tax scofflaw since at least 2011. —

Christopher Hale, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for inveterate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveterate

Adjective

Gas fireplaces turn on with a flip of a switch and deep Italian marble tubs are easily large enough for two.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
Driving through deep water can also affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Feb. 2026