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

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 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

Both areas have deep sediment soil that sit atop alluvial valleys.

— Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Even a deep black pencil can feel softer and more natural because the pigment doesn’t sit as sharply on top of the skin.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026

Definition of deep

Adjective

For Bailey, living with a chronic lung disease means every change in air quality matters.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Formerly incarcerated people with disabilities, chronic mental health or substance abuse issues and those who are older tend to be at higher risk for post-incarceration homelessness, Western said.

— Amber Gaudet July 18, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of chronic

Adjective

The 19-year-old defender, a lifelong fan of the club, made his first senior appearance on the final day of last season, coming on in the 91st minute of Huddersfield’s 4-0 win away to Wimbledon.

— George Edwards, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Terri Gomez, a 27-year veteran in higher education and a lifelong resident of the Inland Empire, is currently the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Cal Poly Pomona, a university statement said.

— Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Definition of lifelong

Adjective

If the technology is being handled by humans, is there not an inherent bias?

— Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 17 July 2026
Phillips said to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution at the 2026 ACC Football Kickoff at the Hilton Charlotte Uptown on Wednesday, responding to a question about the league’s inherent financial plight.

— Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 16 July 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

The reshuffle immediately drew thousands of protesters into the streets of Kyiv and other cities, framing Fedorov’s removal as Zelenskyy siding with an entrenched military old guard over a reformer.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
The reshuffle immediately drew thousands of protesters into the streets of Kyiv and other cities, framing Fedorov’s removal as Zelensky siding with an entrenched military old guard over a reformer.

— Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of entrenched

Adjective

As the genre’s name suggests, country music tends to be preoccupied with place; the charts are full of tributes to the satisfaction of being firmly rooted in a small town, and the sorrows of leaving it behind.

— Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
That journey introduced me to a country of extraordinary cultural diversity, powerful traditions, and deeply rooted histories that remain largely unknown to the world.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 July 2026

Definition of rooted

Adjective

Her two confirmed pieces totaled $162, less than one quarter of the price of several single accessories elsewhere on the guest list.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 7 July 2026
That brings the confirmed One UI 9 testing lineup to the Galaxy S23, S24, S24 FE, S25, S26, A35, A56, A57, A37, M34, Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6.

— Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 7 July 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 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of inveterate

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