Definition of temperamentnext

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 Paul is an adorable baby with a sweet, easy-going temperament. Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026 The dog also needed the right temperament, enjoying being around people, loud crowds and fireworks. Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 30 July 2026 The Northern Irish temperament is stoic to the point of obstinance. Literary Hub, 30 July 2026 The adoption of an inductive argument about the future—one in which the sun always rises because the sun has always risen—has come to function as a marker of temperament. Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • On Tuesday night, Johnson tried to temper expectations in Beulah.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Raised by servants and educated by an uncle, Sade was a spoiled child with a temper and a taste for rebellion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The state's Clean Slate legislation addresses the criminal records system itself, including procedures for identifying missing dispositions and correcting incomplete criminal history information.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Staff at the medical examiner's office are working as quickly as possible to identify the bodies and notify their families, though the process could take several days to ensure proper disposition, according to the press release.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The cast share the characters’ disparate attitudes toward queerness.
    Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
  • An infrared seeker helps identify the threat, while onboard divert and attitude controls steer the vehicle toward an intercept.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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