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 How children react to getting presents is partially linked to temperament, which is the variety of ways that children experience, perceive and interact with the world. Angela J. Narayan, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025 This year, the most piquant examples of the mad mother arrived in dramas of various hues and temperaments. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025 So for all of Paqueta’s qualities, his on-field temperament remains an issue. Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025 Some dogs naturally bring a soothing presence, helping households feel more grounded through their gentle temperaments, slow rhythms, and steady companionship. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • After Mayor Paul TenHaken called a 10 minute recess to cool tempers, the council voted 4-3 not to accept the preliminary plan for the data center.
    Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Kerr’s anger did not stun Draymond Green, who did not have to go far back to remember the last time his coach’s temper had boiled over like that.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Desserts, salads, chicken, roasted potatoes…what can’t be improved by the yellow fruit’s sunny disposition?
    Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Recall that a year prior to Wardlaw passing her hot check, criminal court records confirm her guilty disposition for the crime of skipping out on a wholly different criminal-court appearance, which is a class C misdemeanor.
    Robert Steinbuch, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Black Midi were known for their wild live shows, improvisational but generally aggressive riffs and devil-may-care attitude.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The book also shines a prominent light on how attitudes toward certain drugs have changed over time by showing when and where they were embraced.
    Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

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