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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
Ventura added that his jealousy triggered his temper. Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 15 May 2025 Combs’ former girlfriend was mostly composed during hours of testimony yesterday, despite breaking down in tears at one point while discussing the emotional toll of trying to keep Combs happy and avoid his temper. Adam Reiss, NBC news, 14 May 2025
Verb
Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs (to avoid scrambling them). Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 12 May 2025 While the secretary of state has tempered any optimism with reasons to be concerned that a lasting agreement between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky can be reached, the president has vacillated between public frustration and casual confidence. David Catanese, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for temper
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper
Noun
  • Then, Mercury and Jupiter both enter your sign (on June 8th and June 9th), bringing the spotlight straight to your aura.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 May 2025
  • Like Taurus, Aidan is a romantic at heart and has a tenderness in his aura.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • In Los Angeles’ Pico-Robertson neighborhood, the mood was subdued Monday as a smattering of Orthodox families made their way to services to observe Shavuot.
    Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2025
  • Xabi Alonso’s arrival as coach has really changed the mood at the Bernabeu.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Jarecki hints that Assange can be his own worst enemy by displaying a mercurial temperament and superior attitude.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 May 2025
  • How to give your dog a bath at home The proper way to bathe your dog varies depending on the size and temperament of your pup.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 10 May 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
  • All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
    The Learning Network, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • Upbeat quarterly earnings results from tech giants such Meta Platforms and Microsoft in late April further reignited optimism in the AI trade because the companies showed no signs of moderating their capital expenditure plans.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • It was therefore expected that — even if tentative — the detection of a potential biomarker in the atmosphere of an exoplanet would have extensive coverage.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 25 May 2025
  • Fans both in person and online noted the electric atmosphere of the concert.
    Caché McClay, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties are now symbols of neglect, where economic despair has replaced the industrious and seemingly indomitable spirit that had once defined them.
    Daniel A.C. McBride, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2025
  • As actual spirits, released from their corporeal form, or visions conjured up by the eyes or minds of those who see them—or something else?
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • On the other hand, those with a certain chronotype — a natural disposition determined by factors such as age and genetics — may benefit from the habit, Fiala said, referencing a 2023 study which found night owls tend to rely on their snooze button more.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 26 May 2025
  • He was released from jail on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon for a disposition hearing, court records show.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temper. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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