tantrum

noun

tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm How to pronounce tantrum (audio)
Synonyms of tantrum
: a fit of bad temper

Synonyms of tantrum

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Examples of tantrum in a Sentence

had a tantrum when he found his little sister using his model paints
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.
Or the grocery store, where tantrums can erupt at any moment. — Anna Spoerre, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026 Any parent who has ever endured a tantrum when screen time is cut off will feel the sting of those words. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 June 2026 Let’s take advantage while the bots are frantically throwing trade tantrums! — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Spencer Pratt dropped a temper tantrum of a concession speech in the Los Angeles mayoral race. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tantrum

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1714, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tantrum was in 1714

Phrases Containing tantrum

Rhymes for tantrum

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Browse Nearby Words

Tantrist
tantrum
tanuki
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Cite this Entry

“Tantrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tantrum. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tantrum

noun
tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm How to pronounce tantrum (audio)
: a fit of bad temper

Medical Definition

tantrum

noun
tan·​trum ˈtan-trəm How to pronounce tantrum (audio)
: a fit of bad temper

More from Merriam-Webster on tantrum

Nglish: Translation of tantrum for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tantrum

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