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Definitions

sputter

[spuht-er] / ˈspʌt ər /
VERB
stumble
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST


VERB
falter
Synonyms


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.

Hopes had been high that the eurozone's traditional growth engine would sputter back to life in 2026 after years of stagnation, driven by Chancellor Friedrich Merz's public spending blitz.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

But over the course of this season’s playoff quarterfinals, these historic superpowers saw their high-octane offenses reduced to a sputter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

The Falcons’ offense continues to sputter with turnovers and missed chances, while the Colts’ ground game and physicality give them an edge in Berlin.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

It died with a sputter, and they all gathered around the plow-hitch.

From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien




Vocabulary lists containing sputter