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 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 An inveterate bus rider of the old No. 6, Eldridge believed in public transportation. Frederick N. Rasmussen, Baltimore Sun, 28 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for inveterate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveterate
Adjective
  • Driving through deep water can also negatively affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Driving through deep water can also damage a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Another problem caused by chronic varicose veins is swelling in the legs.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In 2019, a federal monitor was appointed to address chronic problems like lead paint, mold and lack of heat, AP said.
    Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As Mary Shelley’s 1818 literary classic returns to the screen once again, the cast and crew of Guillermo Del Toro‘s Frankenstein celebrated the fruits of the writer/director’s lifelong ambition at Monday’s Los Angeles premiere.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Created in her honor, this rose symbolizes her lifelong mission to protect people, animals, and the environment, offering gardeners a living reminder of her extraordinary impact and enduring message of hope.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As the fragrance dries down, all the sparkle and hard-core coconut evaporate.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Lindberg spent the next decade playing in an array of different projects, such as the grindcore supergroup Lock Up, as well as more hardcore and punk-influenced outfits, the Great Deceiver, Disfear, and Skitsystem.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • China now anchors the clean-tech supply chain, but coal reliance and an entrenched surveillance state complicate its rise.
    Peter Leyden, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025
  • But his bid to become prime minister was thwarted by entrenched powers – the unelected Senate refused to ratify his leadership, and the Constitutional Court later dissolved Move Forward altogether, banning Pita and other senior party members from politics for ten years.
    Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Many of the books have been translated into multiple languages, including Spanish, Russian, Romanian, and Indonesian, extending the Ranch’s influence globally even when its physical footprint remains rooted in Tennessee.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The streets remain the most rooted and emotional place to find brass music.
    Jenny Adams, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As of Wednesday morning, there are no confirmed dates for the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championships — which is typically held in April — and no international break earmarked in the league’s calendar for the event.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The rich, citrusy steak option is available only temporarily, with no confirmed end date.
    Ben Kelly, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inveterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveterate. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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