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 was involved off and on with Joplin over the second half of the 1960s, two young hippies whose careers and temperaments drove them apart. ABC News, 8 Mar. 2026 Since he was identified, information suggesting Diagne possessed a violent temperament also has surfaced. Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 6 Mar. 2026 Yet two clean sheets at age 19 speak loudly about preparation and temperament. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 Iranians are a diverse population in temperament, in politics, in goals. Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Against some audiences’ will, Ari Aster’s merciless black comedy drags us back to May 2020 when tempers, temperatures and misinformation were heating up across America.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • For a fresh office look, temper the tart brightness of chartreuse with deep chocolate brown, keeping the silhouettes tailored and classic.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But white settlers found their stubborn dispositions too unruly for domestication and their big bodies too tempting a commodity.
    Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The disposition of the suit wasn’t clear, though Diagne’s TLC license expired in 2020, a police source said.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • How this shapes political attitudes, empathy and prevention outcomes remains underexplored.
    Arnaud Kurze, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Head coach Mike Vrabel regularly praised Tonga for his attitude and work ethic inside the building.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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