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Definitions

temperance

[tem-per-uhns, tem-pruhns] / ˈtɛm pər əns, ˈtɛm prəns /
NOUN
self-restraint; abstinence
Synonyms
STRONG
abnegation abstemiousness asceticism astringency austerity conservatism constraint continence control discretion forbearance forgoing frugality measure moderateness moderation moderatism mortification prohibition prudence reasonableness restraint sacrifice self-control self-denial self-discipline soberness sobriety stoicism teetotalism
WEAK
eschewal golden mean happy medium refrainment self-deprivation uninebriation unintoxication
Antonyms
STRONG
agitation allowance carelessness indulgence permission rashness wildness
WEAK
excess intemperance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Anna Marshall, author of The Little Book of Christmas and Hogmanay, links it to a reaction against the temperance movement in the early 1800s.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

A Jewish homeland in backwaters of the Ottoman empire seemed unattainable, and pressing domestic concerns like slavery and temperance took precedence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Early Free Methodists were active in the temperance and abolitionist movements.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024

Our affect becomes less impacted by the precarity of external events and instead, we can concentrate on cultivating certain virtues like wisdom, courage, justice and temperance.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2024

Most of these businesses reopened, however, which led temperance workers to realize that they would have to change the laws.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling