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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 The temperance movement was in full swing then, and the aversion to alcohol was especially strong in the rural South. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Aug. 2026 If decisiveness has crowded out temperance, spend ninety days deliberately slowing your first response. — Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The temperance, abolition, and civil-rights movements in America were all motivated in part by religious convictions. — Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for temperance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperance

Noun

Kick, a platform known for taking a hands-off approach to content moderation, confirmed that such a livestream would violate its policies.

— Emma Roth, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
Hinton, known as the godfather of AI, is portrayed as a saintly figure who espouses a model of growth based on truth, patience, and moderation, much to the frustration of his pupil.

— E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of moderation

Noun

This isn’t to imply pregnancy demands nine months of abstinence from uploading baby-bump pics on Instagram.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2026
Much of the general public, however, hasn’t caught up to these developments, which remain strongly discouraged and criticized by the abstinence support group space — especially proponents of AA.

— Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of abstinence

Noun

With artists from across disciplines bringing traditional forms into dialogue with new media, the selection showcases a new wave of cross-disciplinary experimentation.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Open Air connects fragrance with disciplines ranging from food, music, fashion, design and nightlife to spirituality and social service.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

According to medical board records, sources attested to Moss’ sobriety at that time.

— Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026
Premiering in 2013, Faris starred in the first seven seasons of Mom as Christy, a recovering alcoholic who struggles to maintain a job, her family and her sobriety as her mom Bonnie (Allison Janney), who’s also in recovery, moves in with her.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of sobriety

Noun

Having dressed numerous actresses throughout her career, Chiuri sees a shift in red carpet culture toward individualized creations and, more recently, greater restraint.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
In an era when high-performance vehicles often grow larger, heavier, and more complex with each successive generation, part of the Carrera T’s appeal lies in its restraint.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 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

Strive for self-abnegation, justice, meekness, mercy, purity, love.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Sep. 2026
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

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 17 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of temperance

noun

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