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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

Examples 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
Other than that explosive, hair-trigger temper evidenced above. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 14 Oct. 2024 More than that, the 49ers liked his even temper, which has been on display while discussing his recent misses in front of a gaggle of television cameras. Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
With Saturn entering your sign in May, your relationships will demand patience, and your fiery desire will need to be tempered by commitment. Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 18 Dec. 2024 That’s why expectations for this season have to be tempered. Sam Lee, The Athletic, 15 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for temper 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper
Noun
  • Aura Nails Call in the good vibes, love, and positive energy this Valentine’s Day with aura nails.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 10 Jan. 2025
  • But studying videos and simply growing up with Williams’ aura invading pop culture informed his performance.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Three colorful retail stops — including a retail space, a screening space and a café — visually portrayed the celebratory mood.
    Tianwei Zhang, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Since then, the success of McKenna’s coaching regime and the mood at Portman Road are encapsulated by the defiant message spelled out in capital letters on the back of Portman Road’s Sir Bobby Robson stand.
    Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Moving the Italy midfielder backwards has brought forward momentum, but there have also been other subtle tweaks, to tactics and temperament and personnel.
    Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Both methods have their merits; choose the one that aligns with your financial priorities and temperament.
    True Tamplin, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • 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
  • Quantum annealing: This term is borrowed from annealing, a process that uses heat to alter the physical or chemical properties of a metal, glass, or plastic film to increase ductility and reduce hardness.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Aside from increasing investments in programs that train people to identify and report or deescalate antisocial behavior, our leaders must take proactive steps to engage and listen to marginalized members of their communities, and to moderate their own rhetoric with humility.
    Evan Thies, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Mahonia aquifolium: Topical application of creams containing 10% Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) extract can relieve symptoms of mild to moderate psoriasis.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Fire tornadoes occur when intense wind combines with conditions in the atmosphere to produce clouds of smoke that reach 20,000 to 40,000 feet, Swain said.
    Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The researchers suggest that these white lights arise due to a combination of heating in the ionosphere due to the surrounding aurora, as well as the chemiluminescence of some other gases in the atmosphere, possibly nitrogen dioxide.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Over 45 gallons of spirits, wine, and beer were served to 55 men in attendance.
    Christian Schneider, National Review, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Popularized by the Romans as a shield from evil spirits, the choices today are far more modern—although honestly, some additional good vibes insurance is never a bad thing.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In the disposition of Warriors superstar Steph Curry.
    Marcus Thompson II, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
  • No Ju-han/Netflix Jung-bae (Lee Seo-hwan): Gi-hun's childhood friend with a military background and kind disposition.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near temper

Cite this Entry

“Temper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temper. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on temper

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