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 In the doc, Nobu comes across as a man with few flaws and a very even temperament. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 2 July 2025 Scientists say the bees' temperament is a defense mechanism to ward off predators. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 24 June 2025 But anybody who thinks that a post-Trump Republican Party will revert back to Ronald Reagan’s policies will be disappointed — much as those of us of a certain age and temperament might hope to the contrary. Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 18 June 2025 One of the main issues in the case had been whether the cat’s temperament should play a role in routing it to the shelter or back to the streets. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Moo Deng first went viral in 2024, when videos of her throwing temper tantrums, making of mess with her food, trying to bite her trainer and just overall being sassy were posted online by her zookeepers.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • Due to his fiery temper, Mr. Potato Head always uses his hot-temperedness and witty demeanor to be the center of attention.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • In this sense, Skeptical Intelligence can be thought of as a disposition for critical thinking applied rigorously to the modern data and AI landscape.
    Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Was that what gave me a British disposition according to Joya’s parents?
    Jhumpa Lahiri, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • But the hustle down the line that followed, resulting in a single for the visiting leadoff hitter to start Friday’s 7-6 win over the A’s, was a representation of Lukes’ hard-working attitude, according to his former head coach at Sacramento State, Reggie Christiansen.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2025
  • These remarks appear emblematic of the attitude of the football side of the business.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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