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 Petrini, however, was astounded at how quickly his temperament improved. — Mirin Fader, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 In no small part, the internet and social media have helped create these temperaments fraught with contempt bordering on hatred. — Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 There is also the unsatisfied intrigue about Okinawa itself, its culture and temperament and attitudes toward mainland Japan. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 What struck rescuers just as much, though, was the dog’s temperament beneath all those parasites. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Ditka wasn’t immediately welcomed back to the Bears as a coach, with his temper a source of strain between him and the owners.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But experts are not optimistic that the additional supply will improve refined product availability and temper prices in the long run.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The bird was also known for its disposition, especially toward men.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The company has opened two facilities and upgraded others to expand throughput, while investing in a visibility platform that gives customers the information needed to streamline disposition decisions.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But coming off the back of that, there was all of this legislation that was pretty awful and generally, there were a lot of homophobic attitudes, still quite extreme, even as late as the 1990s.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Saudi Arabia has suffered fewer attacks than Gulf neighbours, its airspace has mostly stayed open, and the kingdom has projected a business-as-usual attitude.
    — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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