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 Prime Minister Mark Carney is the former head of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, ideally suited by experience and calm temperament to deal effectively with President Donald Trump. Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2025 No matter Mother Nature’s temperament, Simonett was in the woods. Paddy O'Connell, Outside Online, 1 May 2025 Dier’s role when picked was to be the eyes, ears and cool temperament of the defensive line, but also a wise old head behind an inexperienced player. David Ornstein, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 No coyness here about scale—three stories, six bedrooms, collector’s garage—but the home’s temperament is stylishly measured. Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • The heated nature of the event extended into the temper's of the spectators.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2025
  • While Cole’s remarks about moving the process forward are welcomed, his refusal to endorse the Schedule III proposal and his historical opposition to reform temper expectations.
    Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
Noun
  • Kathleen Bush-Joseph, an attorney and policy analyst with the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute previously mentioned that the database doesn’t always have the final dispositions of cases.
    Kimmy Yam, NBC news, 15 May 2025
  • Shutt says Ruby has the sweetest disposition and knows which office staff member has the best treats.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, the need to keep secrets that confer a competitive advantage could affect decisions and attitudes about exactly how transparent AI should be.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Institutional history reflects Britain’s complex international attitudes.
    Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

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