sizzle 1 of 2

noun

Definition of sizzlenext
as in whistle
a sound similar to the speech sound \s\ stretched out there was a brief sizzle as the moth flew into the flame

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sizzle

2 of 2

verb

ˈsi-zəl How to pronounce sizzle (audio)
1
as in to hiss
to make a sound like that of stretching out the speech sound \s\ from my bed I could hear the bacon sizzling in the frying pan

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to steam
to be excited or emotionally stirred up with anger she was really sizzling about being passed over for the promotion, and nearly quit

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sizzle
Noun
Those sizzle-reel highlights were absent from Elias Pettersson’s game last season. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 The array of options that creators pursue is part of the sizzle of the sector and something that greatly appeals to brands. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
My current favorite combo is sausage and broccoli rabe; the fat from the sausage sizzles the pasta while the broccoli rabe adds a peppery bite. — Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026 The offense was sizzling early on as the Americans hit 20 of their first 26 shots (77%), including five of six 3-point attempts to race to a 50-18 lead with 6 minutes left in the first half. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sizzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sizzle
  1. whistle
  2. hiss
  3. steam
  4. fizz
  5. burn
  6. zip
  7. boil
  8. rage
Noun
  • The early foul trouble forced Brown to turn to Drummond, who checked in on that same whistle with the Knicks down, 8-5.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Pushing the ball in transition, George made contact with Detroit guard Duncan Robinson before dramatically collapsing to the floor in an Oscar-worthy attempt to bait a whistle.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of whistle
Verb
  • Andy the Alligator hisses, the sound provided by a recording of bacon frying in a pan.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In the first week of the COVID shutdown, Holmes packed her two hissing black cats, donned an N95 mask and flew to LAX.
    — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of hiss
Verb
  • Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani — steamed under a pastry crust and flavored with seasonings blended in India by Adi’s mother.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The best way to preserve the magnesium content in vegetables is to microwave or steam them.
    — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of steam
Noun
  • Guests enjoyed dirty martinis, negronis, and grapefruit fizz while burger sliders and truffle toasties were passed around.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The effervescent fizz of Ocean’s Eleven came as a bit of a surprise at the time, though Soderbergh has since established himself as one of the most versatile filmmakers in modern movie history.
    — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fizz
Verb
  • Neurons are closer to Formula One race cars than to family sedans, burning fuel at a furious rate and threatening to blow up at any moment.
    — Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Wall Street analysts are trying to discern whether Big Tech will continue to burn cash or not.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of burn
Noun
  • They are made from Smythson’s signature Panama cross-grain leather and have zip-pocket compartments lined in Burberry’s house check.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Nordic knits Interest in half-zip and quarter-zip sweaters is on the rise, thanks to the Chanel Métiers d’Art show.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of zip
Verb
  • Its stainless steel body can last for years of making pour-over coffee every morning or evening cups of hot tea, and the kettle also comes in handy to boil water fast for everyday recipes.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Roast halves cut side down rather than boiling them, since roasting concentrates the sugars and cuts moisture.
    — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of boil
Verb
  • One American season later, the race demons raged and all of those commitments are dropped.
    — Kamau Bobb October 21, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Also intertwined are ancient myths of warring city-states, the raw, moody poetry of John Keats, and the modern battle between a faithless husband and his wife, the poem’s raging speaker.
    — Merve Emre, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of rage

Browse Nearby Words

sizing up
sizzle
sizzled
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Cite this Entry

“Sizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sizzle. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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