INVETERATE Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inveterate

adjective

in-ˈve-t(ə-)rət

Definition of inveterate

as in deep

firmly established over time he has an inveterate tendency to tell some very tall tales

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in chronic

being such by habit and not likely to change the man is an inveterate liar who only rarely tells the truth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 inveterate 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 Ransomware and data extortion is an inveterate digital security problem, and attackers regularly repeat targets and stoop to new lows in carrying out large-scale disruptive attacks. — Lily Hay Newman, Wired News, 12 May 2026 Critics of Israel often rightly point out that Palestinian radicalization is less the result of inveterate ideology than of continuous Israeli occupation, violence, and dispossession. — Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inveterate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inveterate

Adjective

Thunder general manager Sam Presti didn’t specify how long both will miss, but they are expected to miss months, at a minimum, putting their availability for any playoff run — especially a deep one — in serious doubt.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
The formulation also contains the patented Cell-Ox Shield Technology, which combines sun protection with antioxidants for deeper skin protection.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of deep

Adjective

People with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children and anyone 65 or older are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, and Turner urged anyone fitting those categories to take extra precautions this season.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
Many monkeys died, while others developed chronic immunodeficiency.

— Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of chronic

Adjective

With her Democratic Socialists of America sass, bright amethyst blazers and Bollywood needle drops on Instagram, the lifelong Angeleno cuts a stark contrast to her rival, Deputy Dist.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The 62-year-old man, a lifelong resident of Athens, said the cost of gas, utilities and groceries have become burdensome.

— Saige Miller, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of lifelong

Adjective

Miller makes the statistical adjustments required to nail the probabilities inherent in the prices.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Curic and his team have dialed down the caricature and delivered elegance to go with the innate drama of the vehicle, which is less obviously in hock to downforce or to the cooling demands inherent with other McLarens.

— Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of inherent

Adjective

The first Prancing Horse without a combustion engine was always going to be an affront to the most hard-core faction of the brand’s many loyalists, but disappointment with the important model surpassed even them.

— Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026
Salazar’s attempt to distance herself from the increasingly-unpopular president could potentially appease moderate and independent voters, but her TV ad also irritated Trump personally — as well as some of his hard-core MAGA supporters.

— Michael Vasquez, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of hard-core

Adjective

The cost of services such as shipping, hotel rooms and utilities increased rapidly from August to September, a sign that inflation is spreading and growing more entrenched.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Its nascent democratic system confronted entrenched social hierarchies of caste and power.

— Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of entrenched

Adjective

Porto’s has grown from a Silver Lake strip mall in 1976 to multiple locations, while its owners say future expansion will remain rooted in Southern California.

— Ella Chakarian, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
While there was plenty of skin on display — transparent dresses, breasts covered merely by jewelry or a model’s hand, and plunging necklines — the brand is deeply rooted in inclusivity.

— Rachael Akhidenor, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of rooted

Adjective

But there's no confirmed international launch either, so I wouldn't get carried away just yet.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026
Harford County residents on alert The confirmed case inside an elementary school has some Harford County residents concerned about the presence of wildlife in the community.

— Ashley Paul, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of confirmed

Browse Nearby Words

inveteracy

inveterate

invidious

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“Inveterate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inveterate. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of inveterate

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