temper 1 of 2

1
2
3

temper

2 of 2

verb

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
With tempers flaring and egos on the line, Richie Stevenson, the boss of the rival clan, starts pointing fingers. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025 As seen on the broadcast and in videos uploaded to X, Curry, 37, known for his cool temper on the court, was seen intensely exchanging words with Rockets head coach, Ime Udoka. Natasha Dye, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
The excitement was tempered, however, by the preliminary nature of the find; JWST's observations were consistent with the presence of DMS but did not confirm it. Mike Wall, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025 However, this positive outlook is tempered by the stock’s high valuation. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper
Noun
  • In this scenario, the most likely outcome would involve Punk pinning Seth Rollins, providing a decisive conclusion to their ongoing feud with a clear pinfall victory, while strategically preserving Roman Reigns' aura of dominance and mystique by avoiding a direct pinfall loss to Punk.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Like Napoleon’s Uncle Rico, who dwells on his long-ago high-school-football days, Garrett is living in the faded aura of past glory: in his case, a 1989 video-game championship.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Recently, the mood in higher ed has shifted from introspective to panicked.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • And when Angela asks about how Brit lost her license—likely looking for clarity, not conflict—the mood shifts fast.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In some cases, the person may exhibit sudden emotional outbursts or changes in temperament.
    Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 15 Apr. 2025
  • When working out the best option, veterinarian Dr. Maggie Placer, a feline health advocate, owners should think like their cat and consider their temperament and living situation.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Workable quantum solutions that make use of annealing systems are now in use.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • These services provide access to advanced quantum computing technologies, including annealing quantum computers with over 5,000 qubits and quantum-classical hybrid solvers capable of tackling complex problems involving up to one million variables.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Cuomo hosts a weeknight show during NewsNation’s 8 p.m. hour and last year moderated a town hall event with Vice President Vance, an event Trump called into before the November election.
    Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
  • All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
    The Learning Network, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More than 2,300 rocket bodies orbiting the Earth can't be controlled and will eventually reenter the atmosphere, according to Nature.com.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The ensemble even included someone whose sole purpose was to deliver tequila shots to the musicians and hold Junior H’s red solo cup, generating a party atmosphere both onstage and in the audience.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Will the new pope revive a more conservative approach to the church or stay in the modern spirit of Francis? The coming days will tell.
    Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Over time, this becomes a powerful language between you and your spirit.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The disposition doesn’t elaborate on exactly what Rodriguez told the crowd.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • That's true even if the value of your shares went up and down—if there's no sale or disposition, there's nothing to report.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Temper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temper. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!