CHRONIC Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

chronic

adjective

ˈkrä-nik

Definition of chronic next

as in persistent

being such by habit and not likely to change a chronic smoker who has quit—many, many times

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 But Baughman told Newsweek via TikTok that finding the right spot for her would not be easy as Miss Ma'am has a chronic respiratory illness that flares up with stress. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 This risk is very rare and most often occurs in older adults with chronic illnesses. —

Lindsay Curtis, Health, 16 Feb. 2025 Together, these chemicals increase rates of asthma, chronic respiratory disease, stroke, skin irritation, headaches, heart disease and heart attacks among local residents. —

Lisa Boyd, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2025 By making mindfulness a priority, Blair has been able to navigate the emotional toll of chronic illness with greater clarity and calm. —

Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for chronic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chronic

Adjective

The new top prosecutor has sought to put her stamp on policy and practice in an office tackling persistent gun violence, wrongful convictions and other challenges.

— Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
The trade war has added worry to financial markets that are already concerned over persistent inflation and how the duties might slow the U.S. economy and harm profits.

— Brian Evans, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025