Definition of chronicnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word chronic distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words confirmed and inveterate are common synonyms of chronic. While all three words mean "firmly established," chronic suggests something that is persistent or endlessly recurrent and troublesome.

a chronic complainer

When can confirmed be used instead of chronic?

The words confirmed and chronic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, confirmed implies a growing stronger and firmer with time so as to resist change or reform.

a confirmed bachelor

When could inveterate be used to replace chronic?

While the synonyms inveterate and chronic are close in meaning, inveterate applies to a habit, attitude, or feeling of such long existence as to be practically ineradicable or unalterable.

an inveterate smoker

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 chronic Foster acknowledged state efforts to hold the district accountable have at times been justified, including in 2023 when TEA investigated chronic failings in the district’s special education department. Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026 Turmeric shows promise for chronic inflammation and may offer similar benefits to ibuprofen in some conditions but with fewer side effects, especially when formulated for enhanced absorption. Sara Hoffman, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2026 Excess protein may accelerate kidney function decline in individuals with conditions like chronic kidney disease, Jaisinghani cautions. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 Symptoms typically show up after 10 to 12 years of chronic use, according to Cedars-Sinai. Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
Adjective
  • Witters attributed that persistent pessimism to political partisanship.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2026
  • During his tenure, Massachusetts education leaders faced a mix of progress and persistent challenges.
    State House News Service, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • After a serial killer attacks a Florida State University sorority house leaving multiple sisters dead, the stakes have never been higher.
    Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Don't miss these Police used a drone to catch a serial law-breaker in Stoughton.
    JR Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The temporomandibular joint — located adjacent to the masseter muscle — connects the lower jaw to the skull, and structural issues or habitual grinding and clenching of the teeth can lead to stiffness in the jaw, headaches and more.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Raymond Ratzel, 43, is charged with nine counts of burglary of a building or dwelling, all as a habitual criminality repeater.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • Havenstein started 148 regular-season games and 13 playoff games, including the Rams’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium to cap the 2021 season.
    Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • She was given a series of instructions and shown videos that explained the purpose and cadence of her regular check-ins.
    Mica Rosenberg, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The finale, which focuses on a single subject (obsessed with and thus defensive of his own public nudity), comes closest to escaping a steady stream of antagonization and painting a nuanced portrait of what’s keeping a range of Americans from finding community.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Your money can stretch further while your self-respect stays strong and steady.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • If that doesn’t solve the problem, try scrubbing stubborn spots with Bar Keeper’s Friend and a nonabrasive sponge.
    Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Rusk recommends using wash and styling products that don’t contain silicones (like dimethicone), which can cause a stubborn coating to accumulate that clogs follicles on the scalp and prevents the hair from absorbing moisturizing ingredients.
    Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • When his mother, Dianne, who is a nurse, warned him about the dangers of becoming addicted to painkillers, Strong quickly stopped taking them and stuck with Tylenol.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Being very addicted to the male gaze and being this party queen with two children felt adequate.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on chronic

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