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.
Westford Academy started the year a tad shaky, but caught fire as some predicted while the season progressed. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026 His athletic traits lived up to the hype, although his lack of play strength remained an issue, knocking him down the board a tad. Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 May 2026 This Memorial Day weekend, just like the rest of them, hits home for Robert Griffin III - but this one might be a tad more special. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026 The ear cups are a tad slimmer than the ones on the XM6, the headband's a bit wider to better accommodate larger heads, and there's more room inside each cup for your ears. New Atlas, 22 May 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 30 May. 2026.

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