sputter

verb

ˈspə-tər How to pronounce sputter (audio)
Definition of sputternext
as in to drool
to speak rapidly, inarticulately, and usually unintelligibly she was so shocked that, for a moment, all she could do was sputter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sputter As Messi roared, his long-term rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, sputtered. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026 The vacant plaza, including a former Stop & Shop and a former Bradlees discount store, was demolished in 2012, but progress on attracting new development sputtered in the years afterward. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026 Whereas the World Cup has long given way to the phenomenon of the English World Cup hype anthem (of these, New Order’s 1990 banger World in Motion is arguably the most listenable outside the context of the actual event), the tradition seems to have sputtered out. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 June 2026 If the passing game continues to sputter during training camp the Dolphins must consider adding more proven veteran receivers. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sputter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sputter
  1. drool
  2. shout
  3. chatter
  4. mutter
  5. chat
  6. gibber
  7. rattle
  8. stutter
Verb
  • Some of the signs of overheating include heavy panting or drooling, a rapid pulse, bright red gums or tongue, labored breathing, difficulty standing, vomiting or diarrhea and a fever.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • Typically, the consequence of a sunny Open Championship is firm and fast playing conditions that make golf fans drool.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of drool
Verb
  • In a separate video, others were heard shouting at the TSA agent, questioning whether something would be done about the incident.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • The dialogue, meanwhile, is played hilariously straight — good luck finding a laugh among these uncharted stars — and often consists of someone shouting another character's name.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of shout
Verb
  • Around the family, people shared takeout dinners, swung on hammocks and chattered.
    — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026
  • The youthful musicians chattered away like creatures of the Transylvanian night.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of chatter
Verb
  • Wilde read on social media that the tune actually inspired a movie theater meet-cute, as Nash mutters profanity mid-song.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • Bat met ball and, under his breath, Astros manager Joe Espada muttered an expletive.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of mutter
Verb
  • The keyboard also offers features like voice-to-chat dictation and a quick mic mute/unmute key, giving you easier access to functionality.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026
  • Princess Charlotte and Princess Kate sat next to each other, chatting and laughing throughout the match.
    — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026
Definition of chat
Verb
  • But when the disheveled, withdrawn ex-friend shows up in the locker room gibbering about an evil spirit, Sam is mortified, impulsively knocking to the ground the grungy-looking Mason jar that Tamira has been carrying around.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 18 Sep. 2023
  • For a while, police interest bent toward a Phud who had been warned he might be eliminated from the program, who had seemed almost exultant about the fire and gibbered gleefully about the media spotlight.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2018
Definition of gibber
Verb
  • We’re not rattled by the market reaction and believe the reasons to like J & J remain intact.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • Still, others said the Vatican’s declaration initially rattled some members.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
Definition of rattle
Verb
  • Since a stuttering start with a draw against Cape Verde, Spain have looked the most complete, most cohesive team at this tournament.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Cigarette butts littered the ground; a motorcycle stuttered past, too loud.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Definition of stutter

Browse Nearby Words

sputa
sputter
sputtered
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Cite this Entry

“Sputter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sputter. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of sputter for Spanish Speakers

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