temperamental
adjective
tem·per·a·men·tal
ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl 
ˌtem-pər-ˈmen-
1
a
: marked by excessive sensitivity and impulsive mood changes
a temperamental child
b
: unpredictable in behavior or performance
a temperamental computer
2
: of, relating to, or arising from temperament : constitutional
temperamental peculiarities
Examples of temperamental in a Sentence
The actor is known for being temperamental.
The old computer is temperamental.
They divorced due to temperamental differences.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ambition meets heart as the temperamental Moon in your 10th House of Career conjoins warrior Mars there, sharpening visibility and focus.
—
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026
The temperamental Moon in your 2nd House of Resources conjoins growth-seeking Chiron there, turning attention to self-worth through the purchases that truly support your well-being.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
The weather in Florida during England’s stay thus far has been temperamental.
—Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Your 8th House of Intimacy receives gentle support as the temperamental Moon connects in a sextile with vulnerable Chiron in your 10th House of Career and Status.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
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.
Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026
The temperamental Moon in your 2nd House of Resources conjoins growth-seeking Chiron there, turning attention to self-worth through the purchases that truly support your well-being.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026
The weather in Florida during England’s stay thus far has been temperamental.
—Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Your 8th House of Intimacy receives gentle support as the temperamental Moon connects in a sextile with vulnerable Chiron in your 10th House of Career and Status.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Cite this Entry
“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperamental. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
temperamental
adjective
tem·per·a·men·tal
ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈment-ᵊl
1
: of or relating to temperament
temperamental peculiarities
2
a
: likely to be easily upset
a temperamental movie star
b
: unpredictable in performance
a temperamental motor
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
