TEMPER Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

temper 1 of 2

noun

ˈtem-pər

Definition of temper next

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something there's a temper of tranquility about the retreat that visitors find very inviting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in mood

a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion was in quite a bad temper after spilling his juice all over his new shirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in temperament

one's characteristic attitude or mood she has an even temper and a calm manner that sets everyone all at ease

Synonyms & Similar Words

temper

2 of 2

verb

as in to anneal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to moderate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

As the winter sets in, however, this bonding experiment becomes more of an endurance test, as tempers are shortened by the physical and practical challenges of living through the freeze — while Tom’s mental health begins to fray, clearly not for the first time. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025 McDavid, after being held to the ice by Vancouver’s Conor Garland for a handful of seconds in the final moments of the Canucks’ 3-2 win on Saturday, lost his temper and cross-checked the Canucks forward in the face. —

Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Verb

Sellers may need to temper expectations and consider price cuts to close deals. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025 When confidence is tempered by humility and data, leaders thrive and not just survive. —

Mark Kane, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for temper

Recent Examples of Synonyms for temper

Noun

Sunglasses on and joint in hand, Scott sauntered out alongside Uso with the aura of a ’90s wrestler — a picture-perfect moment for both stars.

— Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 12 Feb. 2025
László has this aura around him and the confidence of a genius and the arrogance of a genius.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025