sizzle 1 of 2

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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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
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 The summer sizzle will stick around through Friday with high temperatures in the low 90s and heat indices in the triple digits again with the potential for spotty storms. — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 13 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
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
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
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
  • Shawn, his parents, and the stranger were sitting around the dining table, their bowls of rice steaming before them, when the knock came.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
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
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
Noun
  • Choose from trios in subtle coordinated colors all packed into a zip pouch for easy transport.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • During the raid, some attendees were zip-tied, including children.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
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
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

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Cite this Entry

“Sizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sizzle. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

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