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.
Quarterback Sam Darnold with a hip injury after the opening drive, and the offense sputtered in his absence.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026
The investigation into Shakur's murder 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. 31, 2026
They took their proverbial foot off the gas, ran out of gas, sputtered to the finish line, got outscored 23-7 in the fourth quarter and looked like anything but a team with serious playoff plans.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026
Sales at U.S. retailers in July had the largest decline in 14 months, but not because the economy sputtered.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026
“Tastes worse than poison,” he sputtered, swallowing it only after I promised to reward him with a cookie.
From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman
