fizzle

1 of 2

verb

fiz·​zle ˈfi-zəl 

fizzled; fizzling ˈfi-zə-liŋ 

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

Synonyms

Verb

• fizz
• hiss
• sizzle
• swish
• whish
• whiz
• whizz

Noun

• collapse
• crash
• cropper
• defeat
• failure
• nonachievement
• nonsuccess

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

Verb

There are sizeable periods of matches where opponents can defend in a compact shape, safe in the knowledge that United attacks can eventually fizzle out of their own accord. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024

The decision involving Gattis comes on the heels of an offensive campaign that opened promisingly before fizzling. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024

Noun

Prioritize Learning and Reinvention The best piece of advice to keep the fizzle and pizzazz alive is to continue learning about your field and always reinvent yourself and your brand. —Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024

After 20 years, Matthew Lillard has come back from the critical and box office fizzle of Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

fizzle

verb

fiz·​zle

ˈfiz-əl

fizzled; fizzling

-(ə-)liŋ

: to fail after a good start

—often used with out

fizzle noun