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 Tyren Hornes may only be 18 years old, but UCF’s newest wide receiver has the temperament of a seasoned veteran. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026 An individual Maine coon’s temperament depends on genetics, socialization, life experience and its home environment. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026 Whether that’s an issue of team temperament or a sign that baseball needs a salary cap depends on your perspective. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Steven Dickstein told the same outlet that behavior is a mix of temperament, development and parenting, and that parenting is the piece adults can actually change. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
  1. temper
  2. disposition
  3. attitude
Noun
  • Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who runs his pitching staff with a long-term outlook and takes a more conservative approach in these situations, made a point to temper any expectations surrounding Steele.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Bessent set up a program to sell short-term (lower rate) Treasury bills and notes and buy back long-term bonds, hoping to temper rates.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of temper
Noun
  • The disposition lens asks what changed because of the first three lenses.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Earlier this year, Harrison Street sold a 12-property student housing portfolio for $910 million, one of the largest dispositions in the sector in recent years.
    — Diana Olick, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of disposition
Noun
  • It’s long ceased to be a neighborhood that puts on airs, an attitude that liberates us all tonight.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The lax attitude about their home base is just part of the gig.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 4 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about temperament

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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