Synonyms of tadnext
1
: a small or insignificant amount or degree : bit
… might give him some water and a tad to eat …C. T. Walker
2
: a small child
especially : boy
Phrases
a tad
: somewhat, rather
He looked a tad bigger than me.Larry Hodgson

Examples of tad in a Sentence

there's more than just a tad of hyperbole in the critics' praise for the promising young pianist grandfather never tires of telling us about the days when he was just a tad
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.
Georgia has similar ambitions, if a tad more tempered. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026 They were organized and well led by guides who were always clearly spoken, professional, and responsive to questions (if sometimes a tad pedantic in their fact-sharing). Alex Postman, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026 On occasion, Venus in Pisces can be a tad mischievous, since the water sign is a mutable sign and absorbs the energy around it. Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 9 Feb. 2026 Granted, our pineapple casserole with cheese and Ritz is a tad different than Jefferson’s pineapple pudding. Anne Byrn, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tad

Word History

Etymology

probably from English dialect, toad, from Middle English tode — more at toad

First Known Use

circa 1877, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tad was circa 1877

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Cite this Entry

“Tad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tad. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

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