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.

The hangover of the temperance movement lasted well into the 20th Century in parts of Scotland.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Beloved in colonial America, hard cider lost favor in the mid-19th century as crisp lagers ascended; the temperance movement and Prohibition felled cider-apple trees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 25, 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

Stanton had joined the temperance organization out of her allegiance to Anthony; her heart belonged to the suffrage movement.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Vocabulary lists containing temperance

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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Born a Crime

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