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 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
  1. moderation
  2. abstinence
  3. discipline
  4. sobriety
  5. restraint
  6. continence
  7. self-denial
  8. self-abnegation
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 latter—which perhaps pulls inspiration from the early addiction recovery phrase used to describe the honeymoon period of sobriety—details taking ownership of letting a romantic partner down.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Now, Campbell is celebrating 26 years of sobriety and shared her story Thursday morning at the Meridian Anti-Drug Coalition’s 21st annual recovery day breakfast at Meridian City Hall, in honor of National Recovery Month.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of sobriety
Noun
  • The stock market remains buoyant; the labor market is robust; most financial conditions indicators continue to show little restraint, either in lending or borrowing.
    — Steve Liesman,Matt Peterson, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Child Passenger Safety Week highlights best practices for choosing car seats and restraints for young children.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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