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 He is measured by temperament, analytical by training (Princeton, Harvard, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey), and unusually candid about what keeps him up at night. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026 Some research has indicated that parenting styles are influenced by parental personality traits, the child's temperament, social support, and partner satisfaction. Kelley King Heyworth, Parents, 5 Apr. 2026 His friend's temperament was spirited. Danielle Parker, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 During interviews with state investigators, Kids R Kids employees said they were discouraged from reporting incidents to the state and that staff were selected based on their willingness to accept a low wage rather than qualifications or temperament. Lina Ruiz april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Thursday’s hearings are Kennedy’s first since a heated Senate Finance Committee appearance in September, where tempers rose as Kennedy defended his firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez.
    Chelsea Cirruzzo, STAT, 16 Apr. 2026
  • OpenAI has moved to temper expectations of its spending plans as a potential IPO looms this year.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Burke has rare size at nearly 6-foot-9, and a nasty disposition to match.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The survey presented over 1,500 American adults in a nationally representative sample with the definitions of six legal methods of disposition in a random order.
    Tanya D. Marsh, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There is no question about his attitude or application; this is not a case of a player who has shirked responsibility or failed to work hard enough in training or in matches.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Princess Anne is often described as the Queen’s most like-minded child, known for her no-nonsense attitude, dry humor and unwavering commitment to her responsibilities.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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