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 And then there was the matter of whether his temperament was right for Kentucky. Jesse Temple, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 My temperament is to be a little bit more reserved and private than hers. Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Mar. 2025 These are all details of tone and temperament, and the relative absence of obvious and substantial policy achievements is part of the indictment against J.F.K. But the tone of a society is central to its self-conception. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025 Because there are advantages to knowing how the competition works, the time management involved, and the temperaments of the judges. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for temperament
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperament
Noun
  • As seen on the broadcast and in videos uploaded to X, Curry, 37, known for his cool temper on the court, was seen intensely exchanging words with Rockets head coach, Ime Udoka.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Zahra said Mary slowly opened up about her troubles with Nathan, his paranoia, his temper.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Who lives and who dies depends on a slew of variable factors: Where they are tried, how skillful their attorneys are, the whims of prosecutors, quirks in the law, the dispositions of judges and jurors, and what victims want.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
  • They would otherwise be returned to the family of the deceased person for final disposition.
    Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But the pooch's positive attitude and adaptability to his wheelchair changed everything.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Shahed drones in our skies reveal Putin’s true attitude toward Easter and toward human life.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Temperament.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperament. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temperament

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