Synonym Chooser

How is the word temperament distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of temperament are character, disposition, personality, and temper. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization.

an artistic temperament

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to temperament?

While in some cases nearly identical to temperament, 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 temperament?

While the synonyms disposition and temperament are close in meaning, disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one.

a cheerful disposition

When is it sensible to use personality instead of temperament?

The words personality and temperament are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.

a somber personality

When would temper be a good substitute for temperament?

The meanings of temper and temperament largely overlap; however, temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations.

a resilient temper

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 temperament Frost is, by reputation, perhaps the foremost poet of rural, non-coastal New England — of birches and apple trees, of forests blanketed in snow, of pastures sliced by ragged stone walls, and of the flinty, self-sufficient kind of temperament that flourishes in those places. A.o. Scott, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 His temperament is better suited to stories of heroic resilience than ones of greed, bloodlust, and cynical isolationism. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2025 Matching energy levels, breed temperaments, and giving each pet their own space are also key to a successful transition. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025 At Starwood, every travel plan begins with a personalized assessment of the pet’s age, breed, temperament, and medical needs. Jason Phillips, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Leaders who can control their temper inspire loyalty because employees know that mistakes are not with hostility, but with guidance and support.
    Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The second quarter saw the temperatures drop and the players’ tempers rise.
    Erik Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The appellate court must decide if it will be decided in a summary disposition, whether briefs will be submitted either with or without oral arguments, or whether the case should be certified to the Wisconsin Supreme Court for consideration, which is considered rare.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • What’s evident is that Elizabeth shares a disposition with her satirical father.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • This yuckster attitude was apparently contagious, because Gray herself got in on the act on a day in which she was scheduled to kiss the young hunk Christopher Atkins, who had a recurring role for one season as a camp counselor.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
  • His hands-on approach and demanding attitude combines with high popularity.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

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