Synonyms of temper

temper 1 of 2

noun

ˈtem-pər 

1

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something

there's a temper of tranquility about the retreat that visitors find very inviting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aura
• atmosphere
• air
• smell
• aroma
• mood
• climate
• flavor
• sense
• feel
• ambience
• odor
• feeling
• patina
• karma
• halo
• nimbus
• vibration(s)
• tone
• spirit
• romance
• note
• characteristic
• aureole
• mystique
• trait
• image
• attribute
• sensation
• property
• peculiarity
• illusion
• semblance
• overtone
• notion
• character
• suggestion
• color
• genius loci
• picture
• mark

2

as in mood

a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion

was in quite a bad temper after spilling his juice all over his new shirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• mood
• spirit
• mode
• humor
• attitude
• frame of mind
• cheer
• feather
• emotion
• temperament
• opinion
• angle
• heart
• perspective
• viewpoint
• outlook
• mind
• tone
• sentiment
• standpoint
• belief
• feeling
• conviction
• sensitivity
• judgment
• personality
• strain
• mind-set
• expression
• vein
• disposition
• slant
• identity
• sensitiveness
• individuality
• passion
• responsiveness
• sensibility
• mettle
• makeup
• character
• selfhood
• self-identity

3

as in temperament

one's characteristic attitude or mood

she has an even temper and a calm manner that sets everyone all at ease

Synonyms & Similar Words

• temperament
• disposition
• attitude
• nature
• personality
• grain
• mind
• outlook
• heart
• spirit
• habit
• tone
• opinion
• inclination
• humor
• emotion
• mode
• feeling
• perspective
• viewpoint
• frame
• angle
• belief
• sentiment
• sensitivity
• conviction
• standpoint
• judgment
• expression
• cheer
• identity
• view
• strain
• mind-set
• responsiveness
• vein
• sensitiveness
• persuasion
• individuality
• slant
• sensibility
• passion
• character
• notion
• mettle
• makeup
• setup
• selfhood
• self-identity

temper

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to anneal

Related Words

• anneal
• toughen
• harden
• tone (up)
• strengthen
• fortify
• energize
• invigorate
• firm (up)
• beef (up)
• vitalize
• restrengthen

Dissimilar Words

• weaken
• hurt
• impair
• damage
• harm
• injure
• paralyze
• cripple
• enervate
• debilitate
• enfeeble
• break down
• undermine
• incapacitate
• wear out
• undercut
• sap

2

as in to moderate

Related Words

• moderate
• soften
• lighten
• allay
• soothe
• abate
• mitigate
• ease
• alleviate
• assuage
• mollify
• relieve
• help
• cure
• remedy
• palliate
• heal
• improve
• better
• correct
• rectify
• repair
• reform
• amend
• perfect
• refine
• enhance
• ameliorate
• mend
• enrich
• emend
• fix
• meliorate

Dissimilar Words

• hurt
• impair
• harm
• injure
• aggravate
• exacerbate
• intensify
• sharpen
• heighten

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

Recent Examples of temper

Noun

A shade of that temper came out in the final debate before the election. — Julia Terruso, Time, 26 Oct. 2026

Superstars at both ends, tempers ready to flare, world-class soccer, and a roaring Camp Nou crowd. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026

Verb

Vance has neither criticized his friend nor publicly nudged Carlson to temper what’s been harsh criticism of Israel — and Trump’s cultivation of the Netanyahu government. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Although bright whites dominate the hotel’s design, the warmth of unvarnished wood furniture does much to temper its starkness, and judicious use of pops of colour – fresh greens, yellows and florals – gives visual interest to the luxe space. — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing temper

• lose one's temper