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 Wen: My second piece of advice for keeping healthy is to be sure to treat high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and other chronic conditions. Katia Hetter, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025 This study followed up on prior work that had focused on chronic heavy drinkers – a term that includes women that take three or more drinks on the average day, and men that take four or more. New Atlas, 28 Feb. 2025 Moore struggled with chronic alcohol and drug abuse problems and was arrested for driving under the influence multiple times. Ashley Hume, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025 Studies do not suggest vaccines or SSRIs are to blame for chronic illnesses, such as autism or obesity. Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
Adjective
  • These include persistent anxiety, trouble sleeping, recurring headaches, high blood pressure, and feelings of burnout, Patrick said.
    Julia Ries, Health, 8 Mar. 2025
  • The Fed in January hit the brakes on interest rate cuts, citing persistent inflation.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Blue Point beach where Perez’s body was found Tuesday is different from Blue Point Beach on Fire Island, where the remains of serial killer victim Karen Vergata were found in 1996.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Since it has been announced that John Lithgow has signed onto Resurrection to voice the younger version of his character, the serial killer Trinity, some fans wondered if that created space for Harris' character.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This exercise pushes leaders out of their habitual thinking patterns and encourages fresh perspectives.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Huttle was found to be a habitual traffic violator, which is a felony, Vawter said.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • An inveterate bus rider of the old No. 6, Eldridge believed in public transportation.
    Frederick N. Rasmussen, Baltimore Sun, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Even diplomats of Iran and North Korea, two of America’s most inveterate foes, can reside in New York city as a result of this unique host status of our country.
    Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The Cavs weren’t even this good, at least during the regular season, when Kevin Love was on the team — a noteworthy comment on this night.
    Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Although Darnold had a breakout regular season, his performance in the playoffs raised concerns.
    Chantz Martin, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In the last five years, U.S. housing prices have skyrocketed, and that growth remains steady.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The jobless rate is forecast to remain steady at 4%.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Another type of hyperpigmentation that kojic acid can help with is melasma—a stubborn and hard-to-treat skin condition characterized by splotchy, brown or grayish patches.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Like this Fire sign, Drizella is unapologetically stubborn and impatience, believing she is entitled to nothing but the best.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And then on top of that, most people are addicted to social media, so you're constantly getting inundated with the worst f***ing things in the world all day long.
    Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • And in many instances, young users have gotten addicted to and become emotionally reliant on the technology, resulting in a string of lawsuits.
    Rashi Shrivastava, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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