sputter
verb (used without object)
to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.
sputtered
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past participleof sputter.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof sputter.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
sputterverb (used without object)to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This year’s French panic, however, appears to have sputtered.
From Salon ● Oct. 22, 2026
The Rams’ offense sputtered and the team fell woefully short of its Super Bowl ambitions during an 18-16 loss to the Arizona Cardinals Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 19, 2026
Lately, though, the rally has sputtered; all three major indexes are down this month.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
The investigation sputtered for decades because of a lack of evidence, but the case was revived when Davis's memoirs were published in 2019.
From Barron's ● Aug. 17, 2026
When I lit one, the flame sputtered only once, like a newborn’s first breath, before burning steadily.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
