temperamental

adjective

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tem·per·a·men·tal | \ ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl

, ˌtem-pər-ˈmen- \

Definition of temperamental

1a : 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

Other Words from temperamental Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About temperamental

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 Newspaper executives who met with Musk liked his technology, but didn’t know what to make of the frantic, awkward, temperamental guy who was selling it. — Faiz Siddiqui, Washington Post, 14 May 2022 With Keanu Reeves doing an inspired take on the Caped Crusader and Kevin Hart as Ace, his temperamental Great Dane, expect lots of laughs as Kate McKinnon, Diego Luna, Natasha Lyonne, Marc Maron, and Vanessa Bayer round out the vocal cast. — Lauren Morgan, EW.com, 13 May 2022 Despite their ideological differences, these movements share a temperamental opposition to the status quo that's not entirely explained by youth. — Samuel Goldman, The Week, 11 May 2022 Chihuahuas are labeled yappy and temperamental, whereas bulldogs are described as easygoing and sociable. — Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2022 Padilla-Brown had managed to ferment cacao beans with Cordyceps mycelium, a difficult trick given its temperamental nature. — Doug Bierend, Outside Online, 10 Mar. 2021 Mitchell is a formidable, temperamental, and fiercely loyal Attorney General to Nixon—until that loyalty is tested by his outspoken wife, Martha. — Emma Dibdin, Town & Country, 24 Apr. 2022 Face primers aren’t only for those blessed with non-temperamental skin. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2022 Ramón Arellano was the cartel’s temperamental enforcer. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'temperamental.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.