temperance

noun

ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce temperance (audio)
Definition of temperancenext
1
as in temperateness
an avoidance of extremes in one's actions, beliefs, or habits my father attributes his ripe old age to temperance in all things, especially eating and drinking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in abstinence
voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites practices a blue-blooded temperance that his parvenu neighbors will never understand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 temperance These are ideal rulers who exhibit all of the great virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, temperance and moderation. — Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 22 Feb. 2026 The financial incentive for airports and airlines to serve alcohol precludes temperance as a solution. — Thomas Black, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025 Indiana is staunchly conservative, but its Republicans tend to foster a deliberate temperance. — Isabella Volmert, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025 The temperance movement, which aimed to reduce alcohol use, gained steam in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. — Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperance
  1. moderation
  2. abstinence
  3. discipline
  4. sobriety
  5. restraint
  6. continence
  7. self-denial
  8. self-abnegation
Noun
  • In 2023, Musk's X lost its attempt to block a California law requiring social media companies to disclose their content moderation policies.
    — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 29 July 2026
  • Many publishers, forums and platforms have correction, moderation or removal policies for inaccurate content.
    — Victoria Marshall, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of moderation
Noun
  • To qualify for grants, organizations must now teach that abstinence is the only way to prevent pregnancy.
    — Ellie Austin, Fortune, 22 July 2026
  • Over six months, recurrent atrial fibrillation or flutter occurred less frequently in the coffee group than in the abstinence group.
    — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of abstinence
Noun
  • The show, will bring together work by over forty artists working across a multitude of different disciplines, including textiles, installation, video, painting and sculpture.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 27 July 2026
  • Where the category lands depends on formulation discipline, tolerance and how quickly the science catches up to the marketing.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026
Definition of discipline
Noun
  • Body camera video captured Romo's now viral arrest and field sobriety test performance.
    — Steven Rosenbaum, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • After being pulled over by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office on July 23, Romo failed field sobriety tests and was taken into custody before being quickly released.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of sobriety
Noun
  • What can be done to put our leader in some kind of restraint?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The dire time restraints were real, along with the contentious Zoom meetings or phone calls that have taken place over the past five months.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of restraint
Noun
  • It’s often affected by pressure changes in the abdominal cavity, particularly in pregnant or obese persons, which in turn affect urination and continence.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026
  • After the second session, the authors reported that the woman had even greater speech capabilities, more facial expressions and humor, increased walking agility and continued continence.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
Definition of continence
Noun
  • Automatic contributions, delayed payment windows, small rituals that add friction to impulse spending — these are all behavioral architecture moves, not acts of self-denial.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • At the beginning of her relationship with John, Carolyn’s central problem was that being part of the Kennedy family demanded some level of self-denial.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Definition of self-denial
Noun
  • Her vocation requires the skill of transformation and self-abnegation, as well as a receptiveness to language and emotion not her own.
    — Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The audience responds gratefully to this level of self-abnegation, and the frankly chilling sounds that come out of her.
    — Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2024
Definition of self-abnegation

Browse Nearby Words

temperaments
temperance
temperas
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Cite this Entry

“Temperance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperance. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on temperance

Nglish: Translation of temperance for Spanish Speakers

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