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 Hoffman is a technologist by pedigree and an optimist by temperament. Josh Tyrangiel, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 In a healthier political culture, his temperament and lack of decency would be disqualifying issues. Ray Nothstine, Washington Post, 10 Feb. 2026 Shields’ job is to take this group of individuals and shape them into a single organism with its own character and temperament. David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Feb. 2026 The prickly exchange went viral and prompted bipartisan criticism and questioning of her temperament. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Southern windows work for varieties that prefer full sun, and can work for part-sun-loving plants with the addition of sheer curtains or blinds to temper the light.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
  • He was also known for his fiery temper and once threw a chair during a home game against rival Purdue.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Despite deep-red voting records and conservative dispositions, many of these counties have few regrets about allowing towering wind turbines and lines of solar panels to dot bits of their countryside.
    Sophie Hartley, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
  • That includes aliases, date of birth, race, counties of conviction, charges, case numbers, dispositions, descriptions of any identifying marks and tattoos and a photograph of a person.
    Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Plus, shifts in attitude toward police are not always about single acts but about the weight of national controversies placed on their shoulders, Cross pointed out.
    Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The contrast between the dark shoes and the light denim creates a figure-lengthening balance that’s ideal for those who love basics with a street style star’s attitude.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

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