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 Alumni of that group run some of the city’s most pleasing-to-be-in establishments, which tend to share a common welcoming temperament more than a particular culinary signature. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025 Gritty has a very friendly temperament, which is amazing after all she's been through. Chris Barilla, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 Pete Hegseth, the combat veteran, former Fox News host and President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, faces a Senate hearing Tuesday expected to center on his treatment of women and his temperament. Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025 While the three songs performed are catchy and moving in their own ways, and Kimi’s lead vocals are especially heartfelt, more remarkable is the pure embodiment of each character’s relationship to the music and to one another, a melding of spirits that still retain their individual temperaments. Ryan Swen, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • Their next chance for allies to temper – or at least interrogate – the administration’s strategy will be at this weekend’s Munich Security conference, to be attended by US Vice-President JD Vance and Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Though the outfielder has turned heads ever since being selected in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Breslow made a point to temper expectations.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Court's January 7, 2025 order granting preliminary relief is STAYED pending the disposition of the appeal.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Pending the preparation and disposition of charges, the governor may suspend the mayor for a period not exceeding 30 days.
    John Bacon, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Instead of repeating his laissez-faire attitude toward his own administration, the Republican president is asserting control at every opportunity, backed up by loyalists at all levels of government.
    Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Putin praised this new US attitude towards his country.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

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