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temper

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word temper distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of temper are character, disposition, personality, and temperament. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations.

a resilient temper

When might character be a better fit than temper?

The meanings of character and temper largely overlap; however, character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents.

strength of character

When could disposition be used to replace temper?

The words disposition and temper can be used in similar contexts, but disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one.

a cheerful disposition

When is it sensible to use personality instead of temper?

While the synonyms personality and temper are close in meaning, personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.

a somber personality

In what contexts can temperament take the place of temper?

Although the words temperament and temper have much in common, temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization.

an artistic temperament

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of temper
Noun
His tactics clearly rattled the prosecutor, who appeared to lose his temper several times during the trial and repeatedly accused Tacopina of being unethical, accusations Tacopina gamely returned. Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2025 Exhibitors’ tempers were strained by a sour first quarter at the box office, and there was an explosion of talk around longer theatrical windows, which for sure will remain an ongoing conversation. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
Its airtight construction, tempered glass windows, and ventless exterior were important to surviving the fires. Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 In a story of how deep trauma can be tempered by kindness and resilience, these children carried on. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper
Noun
  • There was a businesslike aura about a team known for their bravado — no shouting, no taunting or joking.
    Kelly Iko, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • The gray metallic fixturing in the denim area projects a youthful aura, and there are oversize mirrors, 8.8 feet by 5 feet, for head-to-toe viewing.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood and sleep patterns.
    Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 9 May 2025
  • The new month brings a fresh wave of music that spans every mood and genre—just in time to refresh your playlist.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Dier’s role when picked was to be the eyes, ears and cool temperament of the defensive line, but also a wise old head behind an inexperienced player.
    David Ornstein, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • No coyness here about scale—three stories, six bedrooms, collector’s garage—but the home’s temperament is stylishly measured.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Workable quantum solutions that make use of annealing systems are now in use.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • These services provide access to advanced quantum computing technologies, including annealing quantum computers with over 5,000 qubits and quantum-classical hybrid solvers capable of tackling complex problems involving up to one million variables.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Broadway rewards program Audience Rewards sent Felicia Fitzpatrick to moderate.
    Colson Thayer, People.com, 2 May 2025
  • This year, consumption was already poised to moderate following a post-COVID burst of activity.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • While the residence has a jewel-box atmosphere, with luxurious emerald green drapes, ruby red bathroom tiles, Murano chandeliers, and beautifully patterned throw pillows on the couches and beds, that balcony is a total scene stealer.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
  • Even the ultra-competitive summer atmosphere on the island of Santorini—a 40-minute ferry from Ios—mellows at this time of year.
    Lee Cobaj, Robb Report, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • And even if Grandma can't be at a family gathering in person, her spirit lives on through her recipes.
    Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 9 May 2025
  • Thousands of cheering, carol-singing fans will be sure to lift his spirits.
    Breanne L. Heldman, People.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The disposition of the case against the boy was not immediately clear.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025
  • The disposition of the cart and the boy before Patel’s reach – including whether the child might have been falling and whether the cart clipped anything – is indiscernible because Patel’s back obscures both from the camera.
    Chris Boyette, CNN Money, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temper. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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