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

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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 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 The La Mancha manor home’s namesake, Josie, (real name is José Fernández-Pacheco) is an inveterate aesthete who is best known to Spanish television audiences as a presenter extraordinaire. —

Maite Sebastiá, Architectural Digest, 4 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inveterate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveterate

Adjective

The contrast between bright snowfields and deep shadows has always pushed displays to their limits, but on the G6, viewers can finally see the deep, rich blacks that the filmmakers originally intended.

— Nam Sunwoo, Variety, 19 June 2026
The judge additionally said that Sarsour's deep ties to the community and his health concerns were also considered in ruling in favor of his release.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026