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

Mr. Patten, as implied, is sober to the point of temperance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024

In Scotland, it was cooler, and in Wales, social forces were gathering against it, including the temperance movement.

From New York Times • Jan. 14, 2024

Some criticized her for joining the lofty cause of temperance with what they considered to be vulgar appeals for women’s rights.

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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