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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
And all of those variables depend, in turn, on whether Trump decides to temper the policies — as he’s occasionally proved willing to do, especially when financial markets react badly. Jonathan Levin, Twin Cities, 20 July 2025 Samsung deliberately tempered expectations around the larger capacity, claiming it's mostly used to manage the extra functions of the new watch without a functional battery decrease from the last generation. PC Magazine, 17 July 2025
Verb
With vintage variation inevitable, these older wines are used not to mask inconsistency, but to temper extremes. Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Of all their players most likely to let his temper boil over, Marcos Acuna emerged as comfortably the most likely. Jack Lang, New York Times, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for temper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper
Noun
  • This season’s cast includes a professional bull rider, event curator, marketing manager, AI consultant, aura painter, attorney and a dungeon master, among others.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Neeson’s surly, simmering kettle-of-violence aura throws things off a bit.
    Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • This is the kind of sarcastic humor that keeps the mood light throughout the 162-game marathon.
    Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Meals are served on fine China, and tables are set with flickering LED candles to set the mood.
    Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Match with intention: Seek someone whose social and emotional value aligns with yours and avoid chasing profiles well above your temperament, needs or values.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Goldendoodles, a cross between golden retrievers and poodles, are known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coats.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Some annealing quantum-type computers are already commercialized.
    Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • They’re served in a heap in a bowl, the logs of potato annealed, shiny and splotched with balsamic vinegar.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The forum, moderated by Marquette Law School senior fellow in law and public policy Alan Borsuk, was designed to foster an exchange of ideas among people invested in public education.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
  • For the first time, this season the audience can get the behind-the-scenes scoop on the on-stage collaboration between all five dance companies during a free panel discussion on July 29 at 5PM in the David Rubenstein Atrium featuring the artistic leaders of all five companies, moderated by Thake.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • The drink embodies the elated atmosphere of watching the band play live, says Panis.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • With only six months left before implementation, one wonders: Will it be further delayed? Forests play a critical role in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.
    Simi Thambi​, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Instead, we're meant to interpret the montage as Anna's way of carrying Jamie's spirit with her through her life.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • That spirit of innovation has shaped our approach to programs globally.
    Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The upbeat disposition matters with Neal, who hasn’t responded well to being the target of scrutiny during three disappointing years at right tackle.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 July 2025
  • Discuss Burial and Funeral Preferences Though uncomfortable, discussing funeral preferences and the disposition of remains is an act of kindness.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temper. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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