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 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 The financial incentive for airports and airlines to serve alcohol precludes temperance as a solution. — Thomas Black, Twin Cities, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperance

Noun

Bumble also describes Deception Detector as a system intended to identify and prevent potentially misleading activity, supported by human moderation.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Even though maple syrup is the healthier option, remember that moderation is key—both white table sugar and maple syrup are considered added sugars, and should be limited to maintain a healthy diet.

— Carley Millhone, HEALTH, 25 Sep. 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

Court records show that Jang reported McKinsey to police in 2023, accusing him of shoving one of their children and using rough physical discipline with them generally.

— TERRY CHEA, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
But when an accident forces their teams to share one rink, Anastasia Allen (Jelley) and Nate Hawkins (Simos) collide—and discipline gives way to obsession, because the only thing more dangerous than wanting to win is wanting each other.

— Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of discipline

Noun

The African Union urged Ethiopia and its neighbors to exercise restraint as growing tensions threaten to destabilize the region.

— semafor.com, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Another worker was seen preparing food without a proper hair restraint, though this was corrected.

— Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 2 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

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 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of temperance

noun

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