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 Despite good intentions, many people unknowingly reinforce poor posture with their strength-training workouts, leading to tight muscles, restricted mobility and even chronic pain. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025 Puerto Rico has struggled with chronic outages since September 2017, when Hurricane Maria pummeled the island as a Category 4 storm, razing a power grid that crews are still struggling to rebuild. Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025 Puerto Rico has struggled with chronic outages since September 2017, when Hurricane Maria pummeled the island as a powerful Category 4 storm, razing a power grid that crews are still struggling to rebuild. Danica Coto, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025 Hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, fibromyalgia, and neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, are all also linked to vitamin D deficiency. Veronica Cristino and Hannah Coates, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chronic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic
Adjective
  • The rapid rise of ransomware attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities and data breaches has created an environment of persistent uncertainty, leaving organizations grappling with how to stay resilient in the face of evolving threats.
    Francis Dinha, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In a bold move to address one of America’s most persistent healthcare crises, Chicago Beyond has launched a groundbreaking fellowship initiative, committing $2 million to support four exceptional birth workers dedicated to improving Black maternal health outcomes nationwide.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Based on the true story of Robinson, who was abducted as a baby and raised by the family of a serial killer who was convicted of murdering her mother.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Notorious serial killer Gary Michael Hilton has confessed for the first time ever to the murder of a Florida nurse.
    KC Baker, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In Spain, those who receive a light prison sentence do not usually serve time unless the offense involves a violent crime or if the defendant is a habitual offender.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Following a five-day jury trial, 54-year-old Roy Jones was convicted of second-degree murder and three habitual criminal sentence enhancers in the death of Angela Cordova, according to a news release from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • An inveterate traveler who had explored 60-plus countries and often incorporated historical art and cultural references into her designs, McFadden died in September at the age of 85.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 4 Mar. 2025
  • My wife and younger son, however, are inveterate puzzle solvers.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Closing the regular season in eighth place means the Heat would get two chances to win one play-in game to make the playoffs as either the East’s No. 7 or No. 8 seed.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Bridgeport Islanders forward Adam Beckman, 23, will miss the remainder of the regular season with just five games remaining after he was suspended by the American Hockey League’s Player Safety Committee on Wednesday.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s a steady, and still declining, drop compared to previous years (49 in 2023, 51 in 2022, and 61 in 2021).
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Cottage cheese Cottage cheese is an excellent source of casein, a slow-release protein that provides the body with a steady supply of amino acids throughout the night.
    Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite growing consternation and concern expressed by economists and CEOs, Trump administration officials have been stubborn in defending its trade policies.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Ocasio-Cortez might have a good shot at cracking that stubborn nut.
    Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a culture drunk on likability and addicted to mass approval, Kilmer was something else entirely — unpredictable, uncompromising, unforgettable.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • According to court documents, an eyewitness told investigators that Ahmed had recently become addicted to crack cocaine and that Carter had allegedly sold her drugs in the past.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chronic. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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