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

Subsequent breakout attempts failed, preceding the sharp decline associated with the tariff tantrum. — Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Sierra’s mother, Mercedes Pedraza, testified that Sierra wasn’t the same after the accident and had frequent tantrums, refused to follow rules and ultimately dropped out of high school. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

For most of human history, our Sun’s occasional tantrums have been of little concern to those of us living on Earth’s surface. — Mike McRae 15, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026

Elementary school students may have tantrums, be clingy, have toileting accidents, engage in uncontrollable crying or become less talkative as a result of changes in schools, homes and caregivers. — Nikki R Wooten, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 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