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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sizzle

2 of 2

verb

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
The shift requires a new mindset among investors, one that prizes grit, endurance, systems thinking, and resilience over speed, scale, and sizzle. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025 Elsewhere on the sizzle-and-flip spectrum, there’s the highly adaptable Venezuelan arepa. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
When the temperature reaches 350°F (or when a bit of batter dropped into the oil floats and sizzles), working in batches, drop heaped tablespoonfuls of batter into the oil. Romy Gill, Saveur, 22 Oct. 2025 Neanderthals sizzled meat over open flames; hunter-gatherers ground wild wheat to make bread; and factory workers canned fruit for soldiers during the Civil War. Alice Callahan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sizzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sizzle
Noun
  • The redshirt sophomore slowed up to force contact with a trailing Ewin near midcourt and later flung his body on Ewin’s screen for an offensive whistle.
    Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • However, in hindsight, having a whistle—something Dyason never hikes without—would have been much more effective.
    Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • As always, the kittens will be hissing from a luxury suite a safe distance away from the action.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The heaters hissed and clanked, let off steam, fogged up the windows.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Acorn squash can be baked, roasted, or steamed for a tasty side dish.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Humidity often corrodes cables and steams camera lenses.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Look for the rise of fizz from new regions and from native grapes.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
  • Somebody’s dad discretely pulled a Fanta from his bag and opened it with a fizz.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Walk out of a play’s shadows back into the clear light of day without a there to take with you, and even a burning cauldron will become little more than a brief candle.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Veg/cm/61 Fire has been burning on private land.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This pair from Amazon is lightweight enough for all-day wear, features an elastic drawcord for a personalized fit, and even includes two zip pockets to securely store important travel documents.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Levi's 94 Baggy Jeans These super flattering jeans have a mid-rise waist with a zip-and-button fly and a straight-leg silhouette.
    Michelle Rostamian, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • They’re boiled and rolled in breadcrumbs browned in butter, topped with powdered sugar, and served warm.
    Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Freeze extra for later, sans any pasta, which is better when freshly boiled.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • When the sun goes down, three beams of light will illuminate the sky over the town that was, piercing the darkness that this time last year was lit with the unholy glow of a fire raging, with no end in sight.
    Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
  • That winter, the concrete spillway collapsed in one section during massive storms, prompting the evacuation of 188,000 people as water raged uncontrolled into the river below, and concerns grew that part of the dam might fail.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sizzle. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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