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

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

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

Her campaign only started to sputter after it seemed she couldn’t escape his vortex.

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2025

For an instant I stared; then I wheeled and started for the door, hearing him sputter, "Wait, wait," behind me.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison