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

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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
Noun
  • Gabby Williams hopped off a double-decker bus and began dancing through the streets, blowing a whistle to the beat and slapping high-fives with fans all while keeping her WNBA Finals MVP trophy safely tucked in her left arm.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026
  • In reply, Snyder blew his own bugle, a simple tubular plastic whistle.
    — Rich LaRocco, Outdoor Life, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The sorghum hissed when the wind came through it—two years of drought had left the South Dakota ground hard and the dry grass loud.
    — Heide Brandes, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Andy the Alligator hisses, the sound provided by a recording of bacon frying in a pan.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • These were extraordinary, the shrimp steamed until the meat, lightly perfumed with ginger, snapped under the tooth, and the pleated wrapper held the right amount of chew.
    — Christopher Solomon, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Pre-soirée, however, Vogue couldn’t resist the chance to catch a private moment with Carey and ask her some of our burning questions.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Power lines, vehicles, machinery, burning of debris and campfires can spark fires year-round.
    — Virginia Iglesias, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The other side zips closed, so this is great for holding all other clothing items that can be packed flat.
    — Hayley Domin, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Piper pairs the iconic zip-through cable knit with an all-denim look, and Blackwell wears the cable knit in super-soft wool.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Diadiuk collects rainwater, strains it through gauze, treats it with chlorine and boils it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Nutritional profiles can vary by type of carrot or sweet potato, preparation method (raw, boiled, roasted), and portion size.
    — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The war has cast a shadow on Persian Gulf nations that have long presented themselves as paragons of stability in a volatile region, mostly unaffected by the conflicts raging in the wider Middle East.
    — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The war had been raging for more than four years by then, with heavy tolls on all sides.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sizzle. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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