formal
: not temperate: such as
a
: having extreme conditions
an intemperate [=extremely hot/cold] climate/zone
intemperate [=severe, stormy] weather
b
: having or showing a lack of emotional calmness or control
He wrote an intemperate [=angry] letter to his congresswoman.
an intemperate discussion
c
old-fashioned
: often drinking too much alcohol
an intemperate drinker
Cite this Entry
“Intemperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/intemperate. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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