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temper

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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
Their talents are formidable, but their tempers run hot. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 9 May 2025 Green’s temper left colleagues and students on edge. Air Mail, 3 May 2025
Verb
This discrepancy underscores the company's robust operational performance amid macroeconomic challenges, tempered by investor apprehension regarding adjusted margin and earnings projections for FY 2025. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 In the short term, the rain in the forecast the next several days won’t be tempered by the dust, said Ana Torres-Vasquez, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami. MORE: Will incoming Saharan dust keep the storms away? Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for temper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper
Noun
  • Look, this is Florida’s third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final, so this team has an aura of confidence that’s unmatched by most others.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • Even a few states that don't normally have the chance to spot the auras, like New York, might be able to catch a glimpse.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, Howard seemed to be in a good mood after the game and embraced being an ambassador of his new league, engaging with fans and posing for selfies hours after the Miami 305 defeated his LA Riot squad 50-44 at Allstate Arena in Chicago.
    Jeff Fedotin, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • For instance, dogs have been shown to help people develop self-confidence, confidence in others, empathy toward others and a positive mood.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
Noun
  • However, the occasional scuffle—or pounce—between pets is often just part of their play routine, especially if both are young or have playful temperaments.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
  • There may be questions about temperament given his bans for reactions against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth, and his work off the ball at Wolves left some staff wanting more.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 1 June 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
  • The Goonies stars Astin, Feldman, Martha Plimpton, Kerri Green, Robert Davi and Joe Pantoliano last reunited at Awesome Con in April for a panel moderated by PEOPLE's Breanne L. Heldman.
    Grace Harrington, People.com, 8 June 2025
  • The Phoenician Scheme thus became something funnier and stranger, in which Korda’s cruelty is quietly moderated by his daughter and his unspoken fear of death.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Ultimately, professor Bayram says, the Gaziantep baklava known today was shaped by the local ingredients, the atmosphere and climate of the city — and by local chefs who were consumed with perfecting the recipe and passed that obsession along to their apprentices.
    Fatma Tanis, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • Game 3 is back in Sunrise Monday, and if Game 2’s Panthers watch party was any preview, expect a wild atmosphere.
    Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Rush, who held degrees from Princeton University and the University of California, Berkeley, had an adventurous spirit, per his obituary in the New York Times.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 June 2025
  • Feminine elements such as florals, draping, and oversized fans nod to the artistry of couture, keeping the spirit of Balmain both rooted in tradition and forward-looking in its vision.
    Essence, Essence, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • However, regardless of the Justice Department’s disposition, athletes can bring Title IX lawsuits against schools through a private right of action.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 June 2025
  • But because of her quiet disposition, her grandchildren never would have guessed it.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temper. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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