Synonym Chooser

How is the word inveterate distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words chronic and confirmed are common synonyms of inveterate. While all three words mean "firmly established," inveterate applies to a habit, attitude, or feeling of such long existence as to be practically ineradicable or unalterable.

an inveterate smoker

Where would chronic be a reasonable alternative to inveterate?

The words chronic and inveterate can be used in similar contexts, but chronic suggests something that is persistent or endlessly recurrent and troublesome.

a chronic complainer

In what contexts can confirmed take the place of inveterate?

The meanings of confirmed and inveterate largely overlap; however, confirmed implies a growing stronger and firmer with time so as to resist change or reform.

a confirmed bachelor

Examples 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 inveterate The inveterate distributor Film Movement now offers a first-of-its-kind box set that includes the director and screenwriter's opus, Poetry, and three of his early, soul-shaking staples. Ew Staff, EW.com, 6 Sep. 2024 Her parents owned a liquor store, though her father was an inveterate gambler, and Leaf would later acknowledge her mother as the source of her own tireless work ethic. News Desk, Artforum, 3 July 2024 One of them is an inveterate liar who doesn't care about this country. Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 28 June 2024 Di Felice, an inveterate team player, also praised the Gaultier atelier teams for being so brilliant to work with. Mark Holgate, Vogue, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for inveterate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveterate
Adjective
  • And while the postseason debuts of their predecessors suggest deep playoff runs are unlikely, Daniels and Nix have already demonstrated their abilities to defy the odds.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Popular on Variety As with a few recent documentaries featuring animals, a great deal of the film’s wonder comes by way of the human-animal interface: here, the brief and deep relationship of Masear to her wards and those who find them.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • High temperatures exacerbate chronic conditions like cardiovascular and kidney diseases, often leading to fatal outcomes.
    Bill Frist, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • However, those with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and chronic lung issues face greater risks.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike adults, children's genetic mutations are rarely caused by lifelong exposures to carcinogens.
    Alexis Kayser, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Mark Harris is a lawyer and lifelong Illinois resident, born in the Quad Cities and currently living in a Chicago suburb.
    Mark Harris, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Wall Street analysts were lukewarm on Venu, noting that the hardcore fan who watches sports is willing to pay for a traditional TV subscription that provides a full slate of channels and events.
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Yen directs as well as stars alongside a host of familiar faces including Francis Ng, Julian Cheung and the increasingly ubiquitous Michael Hui, but Yen’s hardcore action fanbase may be left wanting.
    James Marsh, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Although there are no confirmed person-to-person infections so far, Susanne recently reported on research that indicates the strain currently affecting dairy cows is one mutation away from becoming easily transmitted between humans.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Currently there are no confirmed cases of HPAI in Michigan in the last 30 days, as of Dec. 5, according to data from the USDA.
    Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 6 Dec. 2024

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Thesaurus Entries Near inveterate

Cite this Entry

“Inveterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveterate. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inveterate

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