temperamental

adjective

tem·​per·​a·​men·​tal ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
ˌtem-pər-ˈmen-
Synonyms of temperamental
1
a
: marked by excessive sensitivity and impulsive mood changes
a temperamental child
b
: unpredictable in behavior or performance
a temperamental computer
2
: of, relating to, or arising from temperament : constitutional
temperamental peculiarities
temperamentally
ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
ˌtem-pər-ˈmen-
adverb

Synonyms of temperamental

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Examples of temperamental in a Sentence

The actor is known for being temperamental. The old computer is temperamental. They divorced due to temperamental differences.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The result is a fascinating deconstruction of the documentary process, with Pretsell both charmed and exasperated by his mercurial and temperamental subject. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026 Weather can be temperamental in the spring, but wildlife emerges from winter slumbers at this time of year. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 As the lead singer of Connect 3, Shane can be temperamental and arrogant. — Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 Ormund, the snooty, temperamental head of House Hightower, is shown charred beyond recognition in the episode's final moments. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperamental

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin temperāmentālis "of the temperament," from Latin temperāmentum temperament + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of temperamental was in 1646

Rhymes for temperamental

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Browse Nearby Words

temperament
temperamental
temperamentally
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Cite this Entry

“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperamental. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

temperamental

adjective
tem·​per·​a·​men·​tal ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈment-ᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
1
: of or relating to temperament
temperamental peculiarities
2
a
: likely to be easily upset
a temperamental movie star
b
: unpredictable in performance
a temperamental motor
temperamentally
-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
adverb
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