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.

And when they do, the room will sputter, “Wait, how did this not get a single Oscar nomination?”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Sometimes, no matter how much thought or planning goes into its construction and implementation, this lineup will sputter.

From Washington Post • Apr. 4, 2018

Tough-minded columnists will sputter against fancy colleges that are covering up offensive sculptures and censoring offensive speakers.

From The Guardian • Sep. 9, 2017

If interventions can reduce transmissions such that, say, only 75 percent of people with HIV infect someone else, an epidemic will sputter and, eventually, stop.

From Slate • Dec. 1, 2015

"If mother is going to preach a sermon with me for a text, Betty's candles will sputter and die out before ever she explains her word," Polly suggested.

From The Camp Fire Girls at Sunrise Hill by Vandercook, Margaret