1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods
one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of temperamental
Here in Southern California, with the exception of cilantro, which sprouts and goes to seed really quickly, and tarragon, which, like so many things French, has a reputation for being temperamental, fresh herbs are easy to grow year-round.
—
Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
As the Orioles' third base coach in 1969, Hunter took over for manager Earl Weaver in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series when the O's temperamental skipper was ejected; Baltimore lost the game in 10 innings to the eventual champion New York Mets.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Kove played John Kreese, the temperamental sensei in the original three Karate Kid films, reprising the role in Netflix’s Cobra Kai alongside Ralph Macchio and William Zabka across the show’s six seasons.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 June 2025
For now, the benefit of a reserve sans swarms of animals is that guests can hike through the mountains without worrying about stumbling upon an angry buffalo or temperamental elephant.
—Mary Holland, Robb Report, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025
As the Orioles' third base coach in 1969, Hunter took over for manager Earl Weaver in Game 4 of the 1969 World Series when the O's temperamental skipper was ejected; Baltimore lost the game in 10 innings to the eventual champion New York Mets.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
Kove played John Kreese, the temperamental sensei in the original three Karate Kid films, reprising the role in Netflix’s Cobra Kai alongside Ralph Macchio and William Zabka across the show’s six seasons.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 June 2025
For now, the benefit of a reserve sans swarms of animals is that guests can hike through the mountains without worrying about stumbling upon an angry buffalo or temperamental elephant.
—Mary Holland, Robb Report, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
Adjective
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The color palette depicting this album ranged from moody grays and off-whites to sepia tones and a spectrum of browns.—
Emily Williams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Aug. 2025
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The upscale cocktail bar in Butchertown is outfitted with plaid and floral prints, colorful velvet couches, and a moody bar with green chairs and a wall of illuminated whiskey bottles as a centerpiece.—
Amanda Hancock,
The Courier-Journal,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Not too happy about the volatile nature of PLTR stock?—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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Broadening market As the S & P 500 and Nasdaq hit fresh records again on Wednesday, there is a simultaneous broadening and a move into more volatile parts of the market by investors.—
Frank Holland,
CNBC,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That impulsive rescue set off a chain reaction that would change everything.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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For example: • Excitement can spark innovation or lead to impulsive decisions.—
Marc Brackett,
Fortune,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The best time for aurora spotting is 2 am, when the sky is likely to be the darkest, but since the arrival of the solar storm is unpredictable, it's recommended to look throughout the night for the event.—
Staff Author,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Aug. 2025
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Renewables may be homegrown, but their output is inherently unpredictable.—
Andrew Saunders,
Fortune,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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People have been urged to avoid entering possibly unstable buildings as aftershocks continued to shake the area, according to the Times.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
11 Aug. 2025
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Although the emergency warning was reduced to a less urgent heavy rain warning on Monday afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that the soil had become unstable due to the precipitation, leaving the region at an elevated risk of landslides even without excessive rain.—
Trisha Mukherjee,
ABC News,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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