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
Often, though, the clutter is the point, and you’re smacked with temperamental textures that channel the flippant streak of plunderphonics.
—
H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
Cooper has occasionally spoken about his time in Alaska throughout the series, including mention of his temperamental T-45d power armor, a flawed early design that preceded the T-60 (worn by Max’s West Coast Brotherhood in the Fallout show) and the T-51b (yet to be seen in live action).
—Jack King, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026
His childhood best friend and sometimes-lover, Rachel Mizler (Odessa A’zion), gets swept up in his hijinks, as does his temperamental foil of a friend, Wally (Tyler the Creator).
—Alexandra Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026
Affectionate Venus and temperamental Mars in Capricorn oppose the moon, escalating our moodiness and sentiments.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 1 Jan. 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.
H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
Cooper has occasionally spoken about his time in Alaska throughout the series, including mention of his temperamental T-45d power armor, a flawed early design that preceded the T-60 (worn by Max’s West Coast Brotherhood in the Fallout show) and the T-51b (yet to be seen in live action).
—Jack King, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2026
His childhood best friend and sometimes-lover, Rachel Mizler (Odessa A’zion), gets swept up in his hijinks, as does his temperamental foil of a friend, Wally (Tyler the Creator).
—Alexandra Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026
Affectionate Venus and temperamental Mars in Capricorn oppose the moon, escalating our moodiness and sentiments.
—Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 1 Jan. 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 11 Jan. 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
Share