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

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

With that in mind, the shadow cockroach “Angels” projects into your kitchen may be just a bit of Peter Pan-esque play from an inveterate digital prankster.

From Salon • Nov. 7, 2025

At its psychological nub, Washington’s inveterate realism was rooted in his commitment to control, over himself and over any and all events with the power to determine his fate.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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