1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods
one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly
stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of temperamental
Such mildness is a rarity in Kansas, because the state is notoriously temperamental and swings wildly between heat and cold.
—
Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025
For all her acclaim, the temperamental Callas parted ways publicly with La Scala, maintained a fierce rivalry with fellow star soprano Renata Tebaldi, and, best known to many, had a rocky relationship with Aristotle Onassis when both were married to others.
—David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2025
Farrell’s Sonny Crockett is a brooding, messy, temperamental cop whose impulsiveness and (ahem) intensity is balanced by his mopey vulnerability.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
And, the removable midsole is specially designed for women’s feet to provide all-day comfort, which is even more beneficial in temperamental weather.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 27 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
Adjective
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This moody shade definitely deserves a spot in your winter outfit rotation.—
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Velvet headboards, lightbulb sconces, and record players add vintage appeal, and moody portraits by Atlanta College of Art graduate Sharon Shapiro were inspired by the Clermont Lounge dancers.—
Adjective
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Key's Jerry is a disruption through and through, knocking everything just a little off-kilter with each volatile appearance.—
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Paul Weller is still a godlike figure, but the Jam themselves had a really distinct chemistry and sounded very volatile onstage and are among the great punk groups.—
Adjective
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Instead of impulsive moves, energy goes toward goals that require patience and endurance.—
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That fear can contribute to impulsive decisions, overtrading, and emotional fatigue - outcomes sometimes interpreted as personal failure rather than a response to the way risk is structured.—
Adjective
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Austin immigration advocates have argued that similar changes in Austin, and a lack of clarification from the police department on its policy, sends a message that contact with officers — even as a victim or witness — carries unpredictable risks for immigrant families.—
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The occurrence of abdominal pain is often unpredictable and can change over time.—
Adjective
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On Monday morning, the Sierra Avalanche Center reported that the recent storm was beginning to wind down, but warned that avalanche risks remained elevated due to strong winds and unstable snow.—
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The last two drafts are starting to come together, specifically the 2023 group, to form a foundation that can keep the need for relying on the unstable free-agent market to a slightly lower level.—
Cite this Entry
“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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