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

Speaking with the Tribune last week, Driver said discussions with aldermen about extending the deadline had fizzled. — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Djokovic will have cheers about as loud as the ones that will be heard for the Americans Shelton and Fritz, the type of adulation that often fizzles before the ultimate prize. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Noun

However, complications with zoning laws and funding led to a fizzle. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The premise sounds oversold, especially since the end of the race was something of a fizzle. — Danny Heitman, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 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