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 This is, for me, a distinction in temperament. Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026 But judging by this display, Golambeckis seems to have the temperament to cope. Rob Tanner, New York Times, 1 May 2026 But he was known also for an ever-ready smile, an unflappable temperament and unassuming demeanor, an ego-less willingness to pitch in to help other reporters on stories large and small, and a quirky sense of humor that lightened the stress of many a deadline. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026 Teams have also reportedly questioned his temperament — something that became part of his flashy on-field persona over the past couple of seasons. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Several talking heads mention Magyar’s temper.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • But tempers boiled over on Thursday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • But Randle’s disposition spearheaded Minnesota’s approach.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 5 May 2026
  • Deputies will document all referrals and dispositions so the department can track how often services are offered, what resources are utilized and whether those efforts are producing measurable results.
    Sierra van der Brug, Daily News, 4 May 2026
Noun
  • Berben believes that attitudes could improve, having recently returned from CinemaCon, the annual trade show for movie theater owners, which was held in Las Vegas last month.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 11 May 2026
  • Gombrowicz never really ‘assimilated’ to life in Argentina, partly due to the unique and unprecedented circumstances that brought him there in the first place, but also because of his naturally irreverent and at times even childish attitude towards literary establishment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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