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 What struck rescuers just as much, though, was the dog’s temperament beneath all those parasites. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 Boards already spend years evaluating whether a successor has an enterprise mindset, stakeholder management skills, credibility, and the temperament to lead through what comes next. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 For Ozener, the deal was as much about temperament as capital. — Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026 The film leans on the cafe’s constant churn of strangers coming and going to draw out each character’s voice, temperament and quirks at a brisk clip. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Whether the ban was a masterful gambit or an unsupervised temper tantrum, its most revealing consequence—and, perhaps, point of contrast with Acostagate—has been in the strong reaction of the targets’ colleagues in the media.
    — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Expect egos to run hot and tempers to flare as everyone tries to keep things civil.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This disposition that will serve the character well in the valleys of despair the story will soon unexpectedly plunge her into.
    — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Knowledge of the enemy’s dispositions can only be obtained from other men.
    — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Top banking analyst Mike Mayo of Wells Fargo is out with his third-quarter earnings preview, with mixed attitudes on Club names BNY and Goldman Sachs .
    — Matthew J. Belvedere,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The traits measure a player’s attitude, toughness, discipline, love for the game and commitment to his teammates.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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