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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
With tempers flaring and egos on the line, Richie Stevenson, the boss of the rival clan, starts pointing fingers. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 As seen on the broadcast and in videos uploaded to X, Curry, 37, known for his cool temper on the court, was seen intensely exchanging words with Rockets head coach, Ime Udoka. Natasha Dye, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
The excitement was tempered, however, by the preliminary nature of the find; JWST's observations were consistent with the presence of DMS but did not confirm it. Mike Wall, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025 However, this positive outlook is tempered by the stock’s high valuation. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper
Noun
  • In videos and photos on social media, Leake, now in his early fifties, had the aura of an elder-statesman goth punk.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The overwhelming majority of those games have not carried the aura of a special occasion in the way UEFA Champions League or Copa Libertadores fixtures can in Europe and South America.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • It’s been linked to everything from lower stress to better mood, for starters.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Almost all the picks were in, and the mood was light.
    Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In some cases, the person may exhibit sudden emotional outbursts or changes in temperament.
    Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2025
  • When working out the best option, veterinarian Dr. Maggie Placer, a feline health advocate, owners should think like their cat and consider their temperament and living situation.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 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
  • Cuomo hosts a weeknight show during NewsNation’s 8 p.m. hour and last year moderated a town hall event with Vice President Vance, an event Trump called into before the November election.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
  • All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
    The Learning Network, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More than 2,300 rocket bodies orbiting the Earth can't be controlled and will eventually reenter the atmosphere, according to Nature.com.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The ensemble even included someone whose sole purpose was to deliver tequila shots to the musicians and hold Junior H’s red solo cup, generating a party atmosphere both onstage and in the audience.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • This is a slightly moving target because of the variable ABV of the spirit—a 40 percent whisky will need less sweetness than a 45 or 50 percent whisky—so the above ratio is a guideline based on a 40 or 43 percent scotch.
    Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Good Americans and all institutions must stand tall to save America – as the spirit of Wallace, the descendants of slave owners, and like-minded folks must not prevail.
    Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The disposition doesn’t elaborate on exactly what Rodriguez told the crowd.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • That's true even if the value of your shares went up and down—if there's no sale or disposition, there's nothing to report.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temper. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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