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 Resnikoff fully inhabits the role of Jaku, giving him a distinctive and consistent voice, posture and temperament. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026 The rest of the women have pretty much accepted Vicki’s temperament by now and mostly operate around her, enjoying the refreshing Miami energy after the bumpiness of the previous parties. — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026 Petrini, however, was astounded at how quickly his temperament improved. — Mirin Fader, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 In no small part, the internet and social media have helped create these temperaments fraught with contempt bordering on hatred. — Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
  1. temper
  2. disposition
  3. attitude
Noun
  • Employers are awaiting the court's ruling, in some cases hoping for guidance that helps temper future litigation.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Ditka wasn’t immediately welcomed back to the Bears as a coach, with his temper a source of strain between him and the owners.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of temper
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
Noun
  • The system provides information about an aircraft’s attitude, heading and position to flight-critical systems.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The survey does not isolate young men or measure political attitudes.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
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 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about temperament

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