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
Their offense has sputtered and wheezed, even as their defense has done its part to keep them in games.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026
Lately, though, the rally has sputtered; all three major indexes are down this month.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 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
He sputtered as he sank into the depths, the water getting cooler as he plummeted downward.
From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook
