tantrum

noun

tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm 

: a fit of bad temper

Synonyms of tantrum

• huff
• outburst
• scene
• explosion
• reaction
• fit
• fireworks
• frenzy
• rage

Examples of tantrum in a Sentence

had a tantrum when he found his little sister using his model paints

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether the ban was a masterful gambit or an unsupervised temper tantrum, its most revealing consequence—and, perhaps, point of contrast with Acostagate—has been in the strong reaction of the targets’ colleagues in the media. — Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026

Schiano ended up knocking down the field marker in his tantrum. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Those prone to hyperbole might be tempted to call this presidential tantrum disguised in procedural clothes a constitutional crisis. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

On top of that, a correction — a 10% move down from a 52-week high — hasn't happened since the spring of 2025, during the tariff tantrum. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tantrum

• have/throw/pitch a tantrum

Rhymes for tantrum

• antrum

Kids Definition

tantrum

noun

tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm 

: a fit of bad temper

Medical Definition

tantrum

noun

tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm 

: a fit of bad temper