inveterate
1 synonym and 6 antonyms for inveterate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Well established because it has existed for a long time.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Well established because it has existed for a long time.
“In Montpelier, where this prison stands, the inveterate prejudice against prisoners has been swept away.”
Opposites
2. adj
Having done something, often something bad, for so long that it is now a fixed habit.
“an inveterate idler; an inveterate gambler; an inveterate smoker”
Opposites
Etymology
The adjective is first attested in 1528, the verb in 1574; borrowed from Latin inveterātus (“of long standing, chronic”), perfect passive participle of inveterō and participial adjective (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from in- (“in, into”) + veterō (“to age”), from vetus, veteris...
Full origin of inveterate →