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.

"Edinburgh was more the intellectual city in Scotland and the temperance movement went alongside the more industrial areas."

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Some temperance is overdue in the AI space.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024

The school encouraged people to cultivate virtues that included temperance, courage, justice and wisdom.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2024

Many of these women were already involved in the temperance movement—the campaign to rid the nation of intoxicating liquor—which would also culminate in 1919.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

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

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!