were sputtering
- past progressive of sputter.
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.
Heading into third-quarter earnings in early October, stocks were sputtering as investors worried about persistently high inflation and rising oil prices.
From New York Times ● Jan. 11, 2024
When the offenses were sputtering in the first half, Thompson was there, galloping and absorbing contact for two wild and-one finishes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 4, 2023
"We were sputtering all night on offense," LeBlanc said, "so it was great to be able to have those chances in the second half."
From Fox News ● Nov. 5, 2021
But as the possibilities for superhero films expanded, led by Marvel’s “Guardians,” ”Shazam!” found its way through just as DC’s Superman and Batman revivals were sputtering.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 29, 2019
Scattered around the cobblestones, the remnants of bassal were sputtering out like tiny blue-white stars.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
