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Definition of tad

tad

/tæd/
tad
Plural:tads
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tad Lexical Profile

tad Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

To a small extent; somewhat or slightly (almost always preceded by 'a').

Example

"The soup is a tad salty, so you might want to add a little more water."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A very small amount, degree, or bit of something.

Example

"Just add a tad of cream to the sauce before serving."

2

American A small child, especially a young boy.

Example

"He has been fishing in this creek since he was just a little tad."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In its adverbial sense meaning 'slightly', 'tad' is almost always preceded by the indefinite article 'a' (e.g., 'a tad chilly').

• Rhymes for tad

• Nearby Words

tactlessly
tactlessness
tacutu
tad
tada
tadpole
tadpole fish

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in late 19th-century American English, the word is likely a shortening of 'tadpole', used figuratively to refer to a small child and later extended to mean any tiny amount.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tad. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tad
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