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.

Powerhouse film franchises like Marvel and Fast & Furious are sputtering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

Both offenses are sputtering and turnovers likely will decide the outcome.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 2, 2025

I know there are people who are sputtering that I’m insane; the Mariners will never win the World Series.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 16, 2019

German factories are sputtering, and in China, retail sales are growing at their slowest pace in 15 years.

From Washington Post • Dec. 25, 2018

"You are sputtering to such an extent that you really ARE, you know."

From The Head of the House of Coombe by Burnett, Frances Hodgson