noun
1.
an avoidance of extremes (as in action, thought, or feeling)
a man who knew no temperance in his opinions
Synonyms: measure, moderateness, moderation
Related Word: reasonableness; constraint, restraint
Idioms: happy medium
Contrasted words: extremeness, radicalness; excess, excessiveness; immoderateness, immoderation, unconstraint, unreasonableness, unrestraint
Antonyms: intemperance, intemperateness
2.
strict habitual and usually complete self-denial in the gratification of appetites or passions
an ascetic who practiced complete temperance
Synonyms: abstinence, continence, sobriety
Related Word: abnegation, eschewal, forbearance, forgoing, refrainment, sacrifice, self-denial, self-deprivation; control, restraint, self-control, self-discipline; asceticism, austerity, mortification
Contrasted words: intemperance, intemperancy, intemperateness, prodigality
Antonyms: excess