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

as in deep

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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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 Also, the industry essence of the French TV festival is co-production and Canadian producers are inveterate co-producers. — John Hopewell, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026 Critics of Israel often rightly point out that Palestinian radicalization is less the result of inveterate ideology than of continuous Israeli occupation, violence, and dispossession. — Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026 An inveterate self-promoter, Salieri is determined to control how he’ll be remembered. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Chris Matthews, the inveterate Washington insider and analyst, joins us to talk about the state of politics and the press. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inveterate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveterate

Adjective

Many of his supporters harbor deep frustration and anger at the American for-profit healthcare system.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Not to be cheated in front of the largest assembly of Hall of Famers since the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, Schwarber flew out twice to deep center field.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of deep

Adjective

Several iterations of the idea have since taken shape, expanding to refugees, students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, seniors with chronic illness.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
The breach is the latest blow to a struggling small city that has faced years of severe budget deficits, pushing it to the brink of insolvency, as well as chronic understaffing in its police, fire and other municipal departments.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of chronic

Adjective

Infants with the condition may have lifelong complications and may need a heart transplant if the defect is complex, or if the heart weakens after surgery, according to the federal health agency.

— Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
On Peacock’s Married at First Sight, singles ready to find a lifelong partner take the ultimate leap of faith by marrying a complete stranger in the hope of building a real future together.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of lifelong

Adjective

Quite often, the old pics are dated in their morals and arrive with inherent themes which are more baggage than their worth for the studio when trying to pull in a pluralistic audience.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
That experience helped Rhys recognize the inherent volatility of an actor’s career.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of inherent

Adjective

After reports of a lousy atmosphere during Argentina’s narrow victory over Egypt, in the round of sixteen, there were rumors that hundreds of hard-core supporters had been flown to Atlanta, to pep things up in the stadium.

— Sam Knight, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
The even more hard-core version of the supercar would make its debut in 1995 and take the overall checkered flag at that year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 20 July 2026

Definition of hard-core

Adjective

Armored tanks first played a useful role in helping break through entrenched battlefield lines during the final years of World War I more than a century ago.

— Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
For now, though, soccer’s civil war appears to be heading toward an entrenched standoff of ideas and values.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of entrenched

Adjective

His visual style is simultaneously very contemporary but also deeply rooted in that old tradition — so there is something extremely fresh about it.

— Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 9 Aug. 2026
But for many fans, the most memorable summer tennis moments will stay rooted in Cincinnati.

— Hanlon Walsh, Midwest Living, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of rooted

Adjective

Elliott matter-of-factly told the story about his name, as well the later discovery through 23andMe of his biological father’s likely identity and the confirmed existence of many half siblings, just by pushing a button.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 5 Aug. 2026
The cards have relatively flexible cancellation terms and the ability to downgrade to a smaller aircraft on a confirmed basis.

— Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of confirmed

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inveteracy

inveterate

invidious

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“Inveterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveterate. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of inveterate

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