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 Tyren Hornes may only be 18 years old, but UCF’s newest wide receiver has the temperament of a seasoned veteran. — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026 An individual Maine coon’s temperament depends on genetics, socialization, life experience and its home environment. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 14 Aug. 2026 Whether that’s an issue of team temperament or a sign that baseball needs a salary cap depends on your perspective. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Steven Dickstein told the same outlet that behavior is a mix of temperament, development and parenting, and that parenting is the piece adults can actually change. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
  1. temper
  2. disposition
  3. attitude
Noun
  • Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who runs his pitching staff with a long-term outlook and takes a more conservative approach in these situations, made a point to temper any expectations surrounding Steele.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Bessent set up a program to sell short-term (lower rate) Treasury bills and notes and buy back long-term bonds, hoping to temper rates.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of temper
Noun
  • With a steely disposition, Dikha is seen in the videos standing at the very front of a thin boat, executing a repetitive series of dance moves as a line of rowers propel them through a river.
    — Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The office recently concluded its criminal investigation into GKN and is now negotiating a civil disposition with the company.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of disposition
Noun
  • Before Gus could take on that role, Bell first had to find a dog with the right attitude for the job.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In a sport like golf, where grinders like Clark are revered, that sort of head-down, do-the-work attitude may be what ends up appealing to fans.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
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 31 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

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!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gumption

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
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?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All