sputtered 1 of 2

sputtered

2 of 2

verb

past tense of sputter

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 sputtered
Verb
The Bears lost Brown’s first four games as head coach by an average score of 27-11 while the offense sputtered to an average of 252 yards during that span. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025 New England's offense has sputtered, and their defense hasn't been able to keep games competitive. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 5 Jan. 2025 The offense sputtered and trailed 6-3 at halftime, producing only a 47-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez in the first half. Ben Standig, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025 Talks to free them have sputtered since a weeklong truce in November 2023 that allowed for the release of 105 Israeli and foreign captives. Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025 Sure, the Patriots offense has sputtered more often than not, but Van Pelt’s done a better job than his boss, Mayo, and defensive counterpart DeMarcus Covington. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 3 Jan. 2025 The Celtics were still on top of the world, while the Pacers sputtered out of the gate. Jared Weiss, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 After jumping out to a 9-2 start this season, the Phoenix Suns have sputtered over the past month as injuries have besieged their Big Three. Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024 The passing offense sputtered uncharacteristically. Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sputtered
Verb
  • Abel Bonne chatted with friends on Havana's Malecon waterfront boulevard early Saturday, taking in the fresh sea breeze after a stuffy night without power.
    Fox News, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bisping chatted about the current lightweight title picture in the UFC, and said that the UFC's matchmakers could go in any one of many different directions with their next fight booking for the 155-pound title.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The stars each mouthed lines their characters said while taking a phone call.
    Julia Moore, Peoplemag, 18 Sep. 2024
  • British scientists have developed a choker that detects its wearer's silently mouthed words, and converts them into audible synthetic speech.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Sputtered.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sputtered. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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