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 Dogs are supervised and able to play all day, providing both physical and mental stimulation, with a group of dogs that match their size and temperament for safe and fun socialization, the release said. Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Redford and Pollack seemed to have similar temperaments and priorities. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025 Biden believed, not unreasonably, that his experience and temperament had uniquely positioned him to steady the ship. Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 14 Sep. 2025 Her two pups are part of the Protection Sport Association, which competitively tests dogs in their obedience and protection skills through tests of their temperament and physical ability. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • There is no military strength without moral strength, no good outcome when summoning tempers alongside uncertainty and rifles, and no margin for error in what may come next.
    Keith Wilson, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The president initially floated his movie tariff idea on Truth Social in May, prompting panic across Hollywood, even after the White House sought to temper expectations in a statement not long after.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Your emotional endurance, positive disposition, unbelievable talent (that blows me away), undeniable humor and loving, kind heart absolutely kill me.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The months that followed revealed the hollowness of this order, which was so clearly at odds with the President’s own disposition.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The policies largely have support from the public, reflecting a major shift in the attitude of Florida residents and their priorities in recent years.
    Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • As of right now, Järnkrok’s efforts will be aided by his attitude.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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