Synonyms of inveterate

inveterate

adjective

in-ˈve-t(ə-)rət 

1

as in deep

firmly established over time

he has an inveterate tendency to tell some very tall tales

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deep
• lifelong
• hard-core
• entrenched
• rooted
• confirmed
• persistent
• deep-seated
• chronic
• inherent
• deep-rooted
• settled
• intrenched
• persisting
• habitual
• intrinsic
• bred-in-the-bone
• unalterable
• unchangeable
• fixed
• natural
• immutable
• innate
• inbred
• typical
• hard-and-fast
• embedded
• enduring
• usual
• inborn
• accustomed
• ingrained
• frozen
• abiding
• firm
• customary
• implanted
• regular
• integral
• set
• inculcated
• imbedded
• irradicable
• instilled
• hard
• engrained

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• transient
• temporary
• momentary
• brief
• short-term
• provisional
• interim
• ephemeral
• fleeting
• short-lived
• impermanent

2

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• occasional
• unused
• intermittent
• unaccustomed

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

Recent Examples of inveterate

In this latest film co-directed by Nick Park, Wallace, the inveterate tinkerer whose contraptions always veered toward Rube Goldberg–style charm and utility (or lack thereof), has outsourced his quaint life to Big Tech, much to the chagrin of his old-school pup. —Vikram Murthi, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2025

An inveterate bus rider of the old No. 6, Eldridge believed in public transportation. —Frederick N. Rasmussen, Baltimore Sun, 28 Nov. 2024

Even diplomats of Iran and North Korea, two of America’s most inveterate foes, can reside in New York city as a result of this unique host status of our country. —Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Second Gentleman Dough Emhoff has established a reputation as a music nerd and, like his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, an inveterate crate digger. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2024

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!