temper 1 of 2

noun

ˈtem-pər How to pronounce temper (audio)
Definition of tempernext
1
as in aura
a special quality or impression associated with something there's a temper of tranquility about the retreat that visitors find very inviting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in mood
a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion was in quite a bad temper after spilling his juice all over his new shirt

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in temperament
one's characteristic attitude or mood she has an even temper and a calm manner that sets everyone all at ease

Synonyms & Similar Words

temper

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to anneal

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in to moderate

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Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word temper distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of temper are character, disposition, personality, and temperament. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations.

a resilient temper

When might character be a better fit than temper?

The meanings of character and temper largely overlap; however, 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 temper?

The words disposition and temper can be used in similar contexts, but disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one.

a cheerful disposition

When is it sensible to use personality instead of temper?

While the synonyms personality and temper are close in meaning, personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.

a somber personality

In what contexts can temperament take the place of temper?

Although the words temperament and temper have much in common, temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization.

an artistic temperament

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 temper
Noun
That idea has real substance, but there's also reason to temper expectations. — New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026 Long airport queues, flight delays, and lost luggage are reason enough for anyone to lose their temper. — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
Whisking constantly, ladle 2 cups of the hot rice mixture into the bowl with the eggs to temper them. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 The yogurt also helps to temper the heat from smoky-spicy gochujang, the assertive and versatile Korean hot pepper paste. — Hana Asbrink, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper
  1. aura
  2. mood
  3. temperament
  4. anneal
  5. moderate
  6. atmosphere
  7. spirit
  8. disposition
Noun
  • The house offered symbolically fitting elements to the book‘s story and close proximity to the water, while also offering both a menacing and calm aura.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • This changes when moving off-center past about 30 degrees, at which point the objects show a wide aura around them.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Djrum is the rare DJ who operates almost entirely outside the world of genre; his sets swing from breakcore to IDM, jungle to techno, garage to field recordings to—well—whatever, really, depending on mood.
    — Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Obviously, the mood has shifted around this college town thanks to the Hoosiers winning last year's CFP title, along with having a head coach in Curt Cignetti who has turned this program into a football juggernaut in just two years.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of mood
Noun
  • Wanda, eighteen, has a temperament of supreme unflappability.
    — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Suzanne’s kind of rebellious temperament brought a lucidity to that character.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of temperament
Verb
  • The telecom giant plans to use D-Wave’s quantum annealing technology to tackle complex optimization problems across its network operations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026
  • Over the next five years, real value will come from applying quantum principles, such as annealing and probabilistic optimization, to supply chains, finance and logistics before fault-tolerant quantum arrives.
    — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of anneal
Verb
  • Advertisement The following day, in a public conversation moderated by renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour, President Nataša Pirc Musar of Slovenia, former Irish President Mary Robinson and I reflected on the choices before humanity.
    — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • While crude oil prices have somewhat moderated despite the Iran war reescalating recently, refining constraints have kept gasoline and diesel costs high.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of moderate
Noun
  • For solo diners, phone-free meals, unhurried pacing and intentional atmosphere can become part of the experience rather than optional extras.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
  • This includes sea levels and greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
    — Simmone Shah, Time, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • After all, many a good cause got its start from a spirit of noblesse oblige.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • But the ending hints at the possibility that the spirit of Jason may have leapt into the youngster.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of spirit
Noun
  • On Wednesday, his office did not respond to a request for comment on his disposition toward the measure.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The probe found no criminal wrongdoing, at which point Spitzer shifted to negotiating towards a civil disposition with GKN and announced the claims program.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of disposition

Phrases Containing temper

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Cite this Entry

“Temper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temper. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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