fizzle

1 of 2

verb

fiz·​zle ˈfi-zəl 

fizzled; fizzling ˈfi-zə-liŋ 

ˈfiz-liŋ

intransitive verb

1

: fizz

2

: to fail or end feebly especially after a promising start

—often used with out

fizzle

2 of 2

noun

: an abortive effort : failure

Synonyms of fizzle

Verb

• hiss
• bubble

Noun

• defeat
• collapse
• failure
• crash

Examples of fizzle in a Sentence

Verb

oozing gobs of grease, a pair of fatty burgers fizzled on the grill

Noun

the home team's unexpected fizzle in that last game cost them the championship

the play was a fizzle, opening and closing the same night

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

But if the stock market rally that powers the divide fizzles out, the economy could take a significant beating. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 June 2026

The rapper and business mogul was then named creative director of basketball for Puma in 2018, although the role seemingly fizzled out as he’s been spotted wearing sneakers from other brands for several years now. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 June 2026

Noun

Pick the game before guests arrive, give people time to socialize first and keep a backup game ready in case the first one fizzles. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026

Does that mean Computex will be a fizzle for that crowd? — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps alteration of fist to break wind

First Known Use

Verb

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fizzle

• chisel
• drizzle
• grizzle
• sizzle

Kids Definition

fizzle

verb

fiz·​zle

ˈfiz-əl

fizzled; fizzling

-(ə-)liŋ

: to fail after a good start

—often used with out

fizzle noun