intemperance

noun

in·​tem·​per·​ance (ˌ)in-ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce intemperance (audio)
Synonyms of intemperancenext
: lack of moderation
especially : habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants

Synonyms

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Examples of intemperance in a Sentence

in his harangue on the perils of drink, the prohibitionist claimed that intemperance has always been the number one destroyer of marriages there's a wearisome intemperance in his verbal attacks against any and all who dare to disagree with him
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Over a career that made headlines for landmark victories such as a six-figure judgment, later reversed, against LAPD Chief Daryl Gates, Yagman also became notorious for intemperance, most pointedly evidenced by his brutal characterization of a federal judge. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2021 In a situation that forbids explicit expressions of intemperance or protest, mischief is the perfect solution. — New York Times, 7 June 2022

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of intemperance was in the 15th century

Rhymes for intemperance

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Browse Nearby Words

intemerate
intemperance
intemperancy
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Cite this Entry

“Intemperance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intemperance. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

intemperance

noun
in·​tem·​per·​ance (ˈ)in-ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce intemperance (audio)
: lack of moderation or self-restraint
especially : excessive use of alcoholic beverages

Medical Definition

intemperance

noun
in·​tem·​per·​ance (ˈ)in-ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce intemperance (audio)
: lack of moderation
especially : habitual or excessive drinking of intoxicants
intemperate
-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce intemperance (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on intemperance

Nglish: Translation of intemperance for Spanish Speakers

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