inveterate

[in-vet-er-it] / ɪnˈvɛt ər ɪt /

ADJECTIVE

long-standing, established

Synonyms

STRONGEST

addicted habitual hard-core hardened incurable lifelong

WEAK

abiding accustomed chronic confirmed continuing customary deep-rooted deep-seated dyed-in-the-wool enduring entrenched fixed habituated inbred incorrigible indurated ineradicable ingrained innate long-lasting long-lived obstinate old perennial permanent persistent persisting set settled stubborn sworn usual

Antonyms

WEAK

short-lived

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Duer was also an inveterate speculator and get-rich-quick schemer: “king of the alley,” as Thomas Jefferson derisively referred External link to Wall Street.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

The Season 8 finale saw protagonist, narrator and inveterate daydreamer J.D.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Still, there is irony in Grantham, the inveterate bear, advancing an argument that could turn out to have bullish implications.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 17, 2026

But, in Ms. Vaill’s telling, he remained an inveterate gambler and adulterer, frequently absent from home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

In her heart, she was his silent ally, a fifth columnist, in Bull’s inveterate assaults on the trellised escutcheons of the Old South that Lillian shoved in front of him.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

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