1.(of weather or climate) free from extremes; mild; or characteristic of such weather or climate - a temperate region - the temperate zones - temperate plants • Ant: intemperate • Similar to: cold-temperate, equable • See Also: clement • Derivationally related forms: temperateness 2. not extreme in behavior - temperate in his habits - a temperate response to an insult - temperate in his eating and drinking • Ant: intemperate • Similar to: abstemious, light, moderate, restrained • See Also: mild, moderate • Derivationally related forms: temperateness 3. not extreme - a moderate penalty - temperate in his response to criticism • Syn: moderate • Similar to: mild • Derivationally related forms: moderateness (for: moderate)