temperate

adjective

Save Word

tem·per·ate | \ ˈtem-p(ə-)rət

Definition of temperate

1a : having a moderate climate which especially lacks extremes in temperature

b : found in or associated with a moderate climate temperate insects

2 : marked by moderation: such as

a : keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : mild

b : moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire

c : moderate in the use of alcoholic beverages

d : marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship

3 : existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis temperate bacteriophages

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from temperate Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing temperate Learn More About temperate

Keep scrolling for more

Synonyms & Antonyms for temperate

Synonyms

moderate

Antonyms

Examples of temperate in a Sentence

They had a temperate discussion. He is a temperate man.

Recent Examples on the Web Leather can take you all through the day and isn’t too warm for our more temperate winters. — Dave Schilling, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2022 Located on the southeastern corner of the island nation, the temperate tropical climate is complemented by a delectable culinary scene, particularly at Taitung Night Market, as well as stunning views from Liyushan Park. — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2022 In more temperate regions of the United States and Asia, Dr. Kelley said, wildfires could increase as emissions rise because the higher amount of carbon dioxide in the air helps plants grow, resulting in more vegetation to fuel blazes. — New York Times, 23 Feb. 2022 Their work revealed that lichens are slow to adapt to a changing climate and would likely need around one million years to cope with a temperate increase of one degree Celsius. — Corryn Wetzel, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Feb. 2022 Most of the sites that sequester the most carbon dioxide were in tropical and temperate regions, such as South America and Australia. — Rachel Ramirez, CNN, 27 Oct. 2021 For the much shorter Parkruns, held in the temperate weather of Britain, the rate was just 0.3 per 100,000. — Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 2 Oct. 2021 Few people in the typically temperate Pacific Northwest have air conditioning. — Peter Weber, The Week, 27 June 2021 The loss of plant resilience was more severe in temperate regions like eastern North America and Europe because these areas have lost many fruit-eating mammals, per Science. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2022 See More

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

Keep scrolling for more

History and Etymology for temperate

Middle English temperat, temperate "restrained, moderate in nature or habits, having the bodily humors in balanced proportion, moderate in temperature or climate," borrowed from Latin temperātus "(of persons) restrained, (of temperature or climate) moderate, between extremes," from past participle of temperāre "to exercise moderation, moderate" — more at temper entry 2

Keep scrolling for more

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best smart thermostats.