sputter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If an oil shock persisted long enough, economic growth could also sputter.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

And when they do, the room will sputter, “Wait, how did this not get a single Oscar nomination?”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

To challenge that, he made Clark Kent a nerd, hunching his shoulders, making him sputter with nervousness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

An added benefit: so-called “old-economy” U.S. stocks, including industrials, commodity producers, and financials, could offer refuge if enthusiasm for artificial-intelligence-related stocks begins to sputter.

From Barron's • Jan. 2, 2026

We couldn’t get a fire to do anything but sputter smoke.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls