Definition

Noun (plural, informal, chiefly North American): A very large number or quantity of something; an abundance or multitude.

Usage

"Scads" is used informally to emphasize a large, often impressive or overwhelming, amount. It is typically followed by "of" and a plural noun or an uncountable noun. * It suggests a quantity so large it might be difficult to count or measure precisely. * It is more common in spoken and informal written English than in formal writing.

Examples

• After the successful product launch, the company received scads of positive customer feedback.
• You'll need scads of patience to assemble that intricate model kit.
• She has scads of interesting stories from her travels around the world.
• The project is behind schedule because we've encountered scads of unexpected problems.

Advanced Usage

• Hyperbolic Use: Often used hyperbolically to exaggerate for effect, not to state a precise figure.
  • I've told you scads of times to clean your room!
• Contextual Nuance: Can imply an almost excessive or more-than-enough amount.
  • The recipe calls for scads of butter, so it's not exactly health food.

Variants and Related Words

• Scad (noun, singular): This singular form is rarely used on its own in modern English. The term is almost exclusively used in the plural form "scads."
• Loads (noun, plural, informal): A very similar informal synonym.
• Heaps (noun, plural, informal): Another very similar informal synonym.

Synonyms

• Loads
• Heaps
• Tons
• Masses
• Oodles
• A great many
• A multitude
• An abundance

Antonyms

• A few
• A handful
• A scarcity
• A paucity
• A dearth

Related Phrases

• Scads of [something]: The standard and only common construction for this word.
  • The antique shop had scads of vintage postcards.
  • He claims to have scads of connections in the industry.

Noun

1. a large number or amount
   • made lots of new friends
   • she amassed stacks of newspapers