WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
in•tem•per•ance
(in tem′pər əns, -prəns),USA pronunciation n.
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026- excessive or immoderate indulgence in alcoholic beverages.
- excessive indulgence of appetite or passion.
- lack of moderation or due restraint, as in action or speech.
- an act or instance of any of these:a long series of intemperances.
- Latin intemperantia. See in-3, temperance
- late Middle English 1400–50
in•tem•per•ate /ɪnˈtɛmpərɪt, -prɪt/USA pronunciation
adj.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- uncontrolled in one's drinking habits:his intemperate consumption of alcohol.
- uncontrolled in other habits:intemperate criticism.
- extreme in temperature, as climate:the intemperate climate of Greenland.
in•tem•per•ate
(in tem′pər it, -prit),USA pronunciation adj.
in•tem′per•ate•ly, adv.
in•tem′per•ate•ness, n.
- given to or characterized by excessive or immoderate indulgence in alcoholic beverages.
- immoderate in indulgence of appetite or passion.
- not temperate;
unrestrained;
unbridled. - extreme in temperature, as climate.
- Latin intemperātus. See in-3, temperate
- late Middle English 1400–50
in•tem′per•ate•ness, n.
'intemperance' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
crapulent
- excess
- burn
- burned-out
- debauch
- debauchery
- dissipation
- fried
- gluttony
- insobriety