temperament

noun

ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-mənt How to pronounce temperament (audio)
Definition of temperamentnext
as in temper
one's characteristic attitude or mood looking for a dog with a sweet temperament

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word temperament distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of temperament are character, disposition, personality, and temper. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization.

an artistic temperament

Where would character be a reasonable alternative to temperament?

While in some cases nearly identical to temperament, character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents.

strength of character

When could disposition be used to replace temperament?

While the synonyms disposition and temperament are close in meaning, disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one.

a cheerful disposition

When is it sensible to use personality instead of temperament?

The words personality and temperament are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.

a somber personality

When would temper be a good substitute for temperament?

The meanings of temper and temperament largely overlap; however, temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations.

a resilient temper

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 temperament Yee, who also served as vice chair of the state Democratic Party, said grassroots activists from around the state, particularly in swing districts, had raised concerns about how Porter’s temperament would play. —Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025 For all their differences in background, temperament, and approaches to art, Matisse and Picasso both venerated Cézanne, Delacroix, Manet, and van Gogh. —Christopher C. Gorham september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 Iris is a bright young girl with a sensitive temperament and big heart. —Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025 Bo showed the temperament needed and the aptitude to become a therapy dog. —Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
  1. temper
  2. disposition
  3. attitude
Noun
  • Why punish people who are applying for food stamps because the president is having a temper tantrum?
    — NBC news, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2025
  • By contrast, the ICE facility was a mess of overflowing dumpsters, loose body armor and crowd control munitions and a broken HVAC air conditioning system that raised both temperatures and tempers in the aging building.
    — Keith Wilson, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Definition of temper
Noun
  • Or to send any kind of message that stifles his defining disposition.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Halley is viewed as having more academic disposition and is more enmeshed with operations and technology and is respected for his industry smarts.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
Definition of disposition
Noun
  • Her predecessor Magufuli had made life hell with his socialistic attitude.
    — Danish Manzoor Bhat, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Sources who witnessed this, speaking anonymously to protect their position like others consulted for this article, say there was a frank exchange between players, with particular criticism aimed at junior members of the squad over their attitude and application in the build-up.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Definition of attitude

Browse Nearby Words

tempera
temperament
temperamental
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

Nglish: Translation of temperament for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about temperament

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