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 affect a vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • White oak White oak is a large shade tree displays deep red to coppery-brown fall color.
    Chris McKeown, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Many infectious diseases are lethal only for the poor; they are layered atop comorbidities and chronic conditions produced by social and commercial determinants of health.
    Stan Chu Ilo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The relentless pursuit of success, combined with expectations of constant availability and productivity, has led many employees to experience chronic stress and exhaustion.
    Clare Miller, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tell him about your lifelong or in-the-moment problems at [email protected].
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Droll and deadpan, Starnone’s novel offers an accounting of the tolls and the consolations of lifelong artistic pursuit.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The result is an expensive, but flashy and powerful, gaming laptop for the hard-core crowd.
    Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 3 Sep. 2025
  • To say that Twi-hards — hard-core fans of the franchise — who saw the post were excited about a new development is an understatement.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Regarding her own father, former Hollywood lighting director Thomas Markle, there is such entrenched bitterness, and this situation makes any reconciliation far from likely.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The longer and more entrenched duopoly of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal offers a counterpoint.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The transition from film to digital may have reshaped the tools, but the core of the work remains rooted in judgment, responsibility, intuition, and a keen eye for detail; all characteristics Gustafson incorporates in every project at Environmental Image Group.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Valdostan cuisine is hearty and rooted in the landscape—think wild game, rich polenta, mountain herbs, and plenty of Fontina DOP, the region’s beloved cheese with Protected Designation of Origin status.
    Erica Firpo, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • If 42 days passes without a confirmed infection, that chain of contagiousness is generally considered broken, explains Gabriel Benavidez, an epidemiologist at Baylor University in Texas.
    Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Wildlife Management Supervisor Brett Beatty with the Division of Wildlife verified there have been reports of dead deer in Hamilton County, but no confirmed cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease yet.
    Gillian Stawiszynski, The Enquirer, 19 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inveterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveterate. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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