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

Verb

• fizz
• hiss
• sizzle
• swish
• whish
• whiz
• whizz

Noun

• collapse
• crash
• cropper
• defeat
• failure
• nonachievement
• nonsuccess

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

Netflix has had terrible luck in its attempt to create its own Game Of Thrones, with series like Shadow & Bone not making much of a splash before their own untimely demise, and The Witcher fizzling out after a strong first season. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

However, the positive sentiment fizzled as the day went on, Cramer contended, because uncertainty over the legal challenges to the tariffs increased. —Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 29 May 2025

Noun

But the drama, which starts off powerfully, fizzles in the second half. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

Brady Dale Feb 27, 2025 - Economy Meme coin moment fizzles after Trump cashes in When the most famous man in the world cashes in on a crypto trend, that's a strong top signal. —Axios, 1 Mar. 2025

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
• sisal
• 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