TEMPERANCE Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

temperance

noun

ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s

Definition of temperance

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in abstinence

voluntary restraint in the satisfaction of one's appetites practices a blue-blooded temperance that his parvenu neighbors will never understand

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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

Noun

With the center sliding ever rightward, is the board’s plea for moderation a ploy to keep the Democrats compliant and accepting in their/our being dragged along through the corridors of power?

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
One faction argues that battle-ground states are won by re-assuring swing voters and projecting moderation.

— Nik Popli, Time, 8 July 2026

Definition of moderation

Noun

For this class, federal action (or inaction) makes or breaks their communities and livelihoods, with their frustration channeled through abstinence in the political process.

— Alex Rosado, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2026
What may be more important, according to Elton, is the psychological value of abstinence.

— Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

Definition of abstinence

Noun

Last fall, Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island became the first in the country to launch an in person, three-year bachelor’s degree in specific disciplines.

— Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 July 2026
In Aries, the taskmaster planet brings maturity and discipline to a Fire sign associated with independence, impulse and passion.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

The roots of the fall-out stretch back to 2019, before filming for the franchise’s fourth feature instalment began, when Margera signed a wellness agreement with the producers which committed him to sobriety amid his struggles with alcoholism.

— Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2026
Police say a field sobriety test was not conducted at the scene because the driver was injured.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of sobriety

Noun

Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of restraint

Noun

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
These are the muscles that play a critical role in supporting our pelvic organs and maintaining continence.

— Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 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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“Temperance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperance. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of temperance

noun

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