Definition of temperamentnext

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 There is also the unsatisfied intrigue about Okinawa itself, its culture and temperament and attitudes toward mainland Japan. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 What struck rescuers just as much, though, was the dog’s temperament beneath all those parasites. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 Boards already spend years evaluating whether a successor has an enterprise mindset, stakeholder management skills, credibility, and the temperament to lead through what comes next. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The film leans on the cafe’s constant churn of strangers coming and going to draw out each character’s voice, temperament and quirks at a brisk clip. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Long airport queues, flight delays, and lost luggage are reason enough for anyone to lose their temper.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Last week, Republicans in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas publicly pleaded with the Administration to temper immigration arrests on cattle ranches, warning about rising beef prices.
    — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The bird was also known for its disposition, especially toward men.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The company has opened two facilities and upgraded others to expand throughput, while investing in a visibility platform that gives customers the information needed to streamline disposition decisions.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Precise attitude control keeps those instruments pointed at their targets as the satellites race around Earth.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Expand The never-say-die attitude of the White Sox was on full display against the Guardians.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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