Synonyms of tad
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.
This slow-cooker version of the casserole makes your life just a tad easier. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 May 2026 Overall, the deepfakes are impressive, if not maybe a tad uncanny, showing a near-perfect replica of how Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood looked in the late ’70s. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026 At the film’s after-party there will be tee-shirts that are a tad outrageous, but also quite hilarious. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 13 May 2026 Boone’s words proved prescient, as Weathers, just a tad trimmer, retired 13 straight Baltimore batters following a game-opening walk. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 12 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tad.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tad. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on tad

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster