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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
The Umeki sword had fiery-looking peaks running across its temper line. Kevin Chroust, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025 Despite a shortage of skilled labor in most sectors of Russia's war-time economy, tech companies have been carrying out mass lay-offs, Russian news outlet The Bell wrote last month, citing two-decade-high interest rates introduced by the central bank to combat inflation and temper demand. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
Following raging culture wars over such issues as LGBTQ+ rights and diversity, equity and inclusion, Disney appears to be tempering its approach towards inclusion. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 Read: What Orwell didn’t anticipate The bleakness of 1984 has been tempered, in the years since the novel’s publication, with one small bit of relief: The whole thing could be filed away as fiction. Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper
Noun
  • This digital detox will cleanse and calm your aura.
    Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2025
  • And of course, no beauty splurge list would be complete without a sophisticated fragrance to elevate your winter aura.
    Tira Urquhart, Essence, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The film’s effect on the perception of Brazil’s powerful military has been something of a virtuous circle: the political mood powers the popularity of the movie, and the movie in turn powers the political mood.
    Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
  • There is one big off-field question that will determine much of the mood on the terraces over the final phase of the season: what will the club do about ticket prices and concession policies for the 2025-26 season?
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In that email, which was attached to Wednesday’s meeting announcement, the person wrote that Campbell didn’t have the temperament for the job and the position should go either to a city employee with more experience or to someone who’s currently managing one of the other San Diego County cities.
    Barbara Henry, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Drizella’s fiery temperament and determination to always get her way fit the bold nature of Aries perfectly.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 4 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
  • It was moderated by Jan Dorner from the League of Women Voters of Elmhurst, and did not include debate or comments from the public.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Leaders face circumstances that are quite real, yet the principle remains: success involves strategically emphasizing certain traits while moderating others.
    Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Fewer people on the slopes is also a huge bonus for skiers and the mountain atmosphere is much more relaxed.
    Roger Sands, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Serving many different customers The advantages of such a platform include superior image quality, less congested orbits, and natural debris removal as inoperable satellites are pulled down into Earth's atmosphere and burnt up.
    Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • So something to the spirit of that is really speaking to me.
    David Kinne, EW.com, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Its current World of Whiskey theme examines a variety of takes on the spirit from around the world and is $175 per person.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Court's January 7, 2025 order granting preliminary relief is STAYED pending the disposition of the appeal.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Pending the preparation and disposition of charges, the governor may suspend the mayor for a period not exceeding 30 days.
    John Bacon, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temper. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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