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.

St. Bonaventure’s offense had been sputtering all night until Koen Glover finally broke through for an eight-yard touchdown run with 4:17 left.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2023

Before that game, the Chargers’ offense had been sputtering.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2023

It was a life-or-death moment for the new Broadway revival of “Funny Girl,” which had been sputtering along since it opened this spring to tepid reviews and no love from the Tony Awards.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2022

But near the midpoint of the fourth quarter, the Giants’ offense had been sputtering for more than an hour.

From New York Times • Oct. 4, 2015

Miller had a broad smile at the end of the game, relieved that the Sabres, who had been sputtering, won their second straight overtime game.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2010