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 Researchers believe there's incredible potential in this approach to treating chronic infections, autoimmune disease and cancer, while also providing a novel therapy to prolong our health in older age. New Atlas, 2 July 2026 For example, because the kidneys regulate potassium levels, people with chronic kidney disease may not be able to clear excess potassium effectively. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026 The growing prevalence of chronic conditions that effect eyesight, such as diabetes, may also increase demand for optical services. Casey Mann, Arkansas Online, 1 July 2026 Aerophobia can happen for a number of reasons, from a bad flight experience to chronic anxiety. Katie Riley, Southern Living, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
Adjective
  • The launch includes five solution categories—Restaurant Assistant, Packer, Picker, Folder, and Host—targeting persistent labor shortages in sectors such as industrial operations, logistics, healthcare, food services, lodging, and experiential venues.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2026
  • Why is this padding so persistent?
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Somdutta Singh, Founder and CEO of Assiduus Global, is a serial entrepreneur, investor and author.
    Somdutta Singh, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Unfortunately, photographs and footage from the 1976 ceremony are not clear enough to read the serial or part numbers off the arm assembly, and no one at the museum seems to remember or know which model the arm came from (if any).
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Duchamp’s habitual skepticism had the salutary effect of returning us to first principles.
    Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 29 June 2026
  • When complaint becomes habitual, one’s attention might automatically drift toward problems; the neural path is well trod.
    James Davis, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The inveterate white supremacist Woodrow Wilson mouthed anti-colonial rhetoric before reverting to form at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.
    Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026
  • The far-outside post doesn’t compromise this inveterate deep closer, but a lack of pace up front definitely will.
    Teresa Genaro, New York Times, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • With the first day of July landing on a Wednesday, payments will go out on a regular schedule, according to the Social Security Administration’s calendar.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • To ensure safety during outdoor work, adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s recommendations by incorporating regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • This doesn't look like the time for steady rate cuts, and current Warsh recently emphasized the bank's 2% inflation target, which hasn't been reached since 2021.
    Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • In other words, women tend to burn more fat for energy than men during steady, moderate-intensity endurance exercise, such as a marathon.
    Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The weather service’s forecast discussion for Kansas City said the stubborn heat could last through the Fourth of July.
    Christine Rapp, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • Against all odds, the stubborn housing market has become a hotspot for young talent.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, the fifth installment follows Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the gang of anthropomorphic toys as their owner Bonnie becomes addicted to her new favorite gadget, a kiddie smart tablet known as Lilypad.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 21 June 2026
  • The state does not sufficiently fund services for people who become addicted to gambling via the sports-betting apps on their phones, mental health experts say, and there are not enough therapists trained to treat gambling addiction.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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