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 What these companies don’t say is that these tools are, by temperament if not default, easily tricked by malicious actors into performing hostile actions against their users. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025 And let time — and temperament — do the heavy lifting. Steve Booren, Denver Post, 18 May 2025 However, the occasional scuffle—or pounce—between pets is often just part of their play routine, especially if both are young or have playful temperaments. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025 There may be questions about temperament given his bans for reactions against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth, and his work off the ball at Wolves left some staff wanting more. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • But the president has made no other moves against Musk-world, and Musk’s decision to delete his provocative post on X may have cooled tempers on both sides.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 9 June 2025
  • One of the top reasons for this is the stress of keeping kids entertained and managing temper tantrums.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • That process would happen without the formal bids or public referendum typically required for disposition of city property.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • Whether by design or disposition, from Wall Street to Main Streets, China to Chicago, the chaos and radical uncertainty sown by the President’s words and deeds finds consumer and corporate sentiment jumpier than Elon at a Trump rally before their break-up.
    Seth Matlins, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Almost like a Draymond — not Draymond’s attitude, but the mentality.
    David Aldridge, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • Jamie Foxx reflected on his current attitude toward fame during a new interview.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 18 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!