fizzle

1 of 2

verb

fiz·​zle ˈfi-zəl How to pronounce fizzle (audio)
fizzled; fizzling ˈfi-zə-liŋ How to pronounce fizzle (audio)
ˈfiz-liŋ

intransitive verb

1
: fizz
2
: to fail or end feebly especially after a promising start
often used with out

fizzle

2 of 2

noun

: an abortive effort : failure

Examples of fizzle in a Sentence

Verb oozing gobs of grease, a pair of fatty burgers fizzled on the grill Noun the home team's unexpected fizzle in that last game cost them the championship the play was a fizzle, opening and closing the same night
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
The tech industry’s honeymoon period with the US government has fizzled, and both Trump and his successor, President Joe Biden, took a skeptical stance toward tech CEOs, albeit for different reasons. Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025 Newsom handily beat the recall in 2021, and the latest attempt fizzled altogether and didn't even make ballot. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
But if the season fizzles on Saturday, maybe the Steelers have to consider other options. Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 When one dinner solution fizzles, there is always another, and another, which will be superseded by still more. Rachel Sugar, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fizzle 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps alteration of fist to break wind

First Known Use

Verb

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fizzle was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near fizzle

Cite this Entry

“Fizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fizzle. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

fizzle

verb
fiz·​zle
ˈfiz-əl
fizzled; fizzling
-(ə-)liŋ
: to fail after a good start
often used with out
fizzle noun

More from Merriam-Webster on fizzle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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