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

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

The job market continues to sputter even as cost and price pressures persist, a Federal Reserve report found, underscoring the competing risks central bank officials will have to weigh at a key meeting next month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 26, 2025

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

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2025

It was beautiful, and also a bit melancholy for me to see the pretty kites sputter to the ground.

From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai