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

Relevance

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 Stress for a cat can be a major, major problem that can actually result in physical and certainly temperament issues. —Jennifer Vanderau, USA Today, 2 July 2025 In contrast, the career and temperament of Gary Deeb was very much the opposite. —Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025 Their temperament depends greatly on how well they are raised and trained. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 That meal will align with their temperament and preferences, based on their psychic reading. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
  1. temper
  2. disposition
  3. attitude
Noun
  • Moo Deng first went viral in 2024, when videos of her throwing temper tantrums, making of mess with her food, trying to bite her trainer and just overall being sassy were posted online by her zookeepers.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • Due to his fiery temper, Mr. Potato Head always uses his hot-temperedness and witty demeanor to be the center of attention.
    — Lisa Stardust, People.com, 18 June 2025
Definition of temper
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
Definition of disposition
Noun
  • Staley said Moore’s football chops, knowledge and coaching attitude come from his dad.
    — Shaun Goodwin July 25, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • The reports are good: his attitude has been normal and his application during the pre-season conditioning tests has been of a high standard.
    — Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 25 July 2025
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 6 Aug. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

Nglish: Translation of temperament for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about temperament

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
iykyk if you know you know slang written in a neon
Quiz: Abbreviation Station TFW you have to figure out what 15 abbreviations ...
See All