as in to drool
to speak rapidly, inarticulately, and usually unintelligibly
she was so shocked that, for a moment, all she could do was sputter
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sputter
Proposals to do so keep getting made but sputter early in the legislative process.
—
ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Hopes high for a quick deal Next steps in Congress could happen quickly if lawmakers can reach agreement, or sputter out just as fast.
—Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Carter sputtered early but exploded in the second and third quarters to run away with a 67-41 win.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
Healthcare, recently the principal engine of American job growth, sputtered, shedding 28,000 jobs.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sputter
ABC News, 24 Mar. 2026
Hopes high for a quick deal Next steps in Congress could happen quickly if lawmakers can reach agreement, or sputter out just as fast.
—Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026
Carter sputtered early but exploded in the second and third quarters to run away with a 67-41 win.
—Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2026
Healthcare, recently the principal engine of American job growth, sputtered, shedding 28,000 jobs.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sputter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sputter
Verb
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These plants contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause unpleasant symptoms for dogs and cats alike, such as drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abnormal heart rhythm, and even some neurologic signs.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
24 Mar. 2026
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Chewing on the bulbs can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, profuse drooling and burns to the mouth.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The march continues to weave throughout the Plaza on its way back to Mill Creek Park as people shout various chants, blare music, pound on handheld drums and blow whistles.—
Jenna Ebbers,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
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Malinin shouted and punched the air with relief after finishing the skate.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Hardcore Survivor fans love to discuss and debate the intricacies of the game and their favorite seasons and winners in the same way that sports fans enjoy chattering nonstop about their teams.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Feb. 2026
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This is the shelter’s busiest season, making for the film’s most vibrant, chattering section, and Hélène adapts well to the rhythm and volume of whatever company rolls in, while occasionally retreating to the woods for some respite.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In fact, the director was egging me on, encouraging me to go further with the hunching and muttering.—
Andrew Martin,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
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Old friend Daniel Vladar was spectacular in making 26 saves, several of which had Morgan Geekie (nine total shots, five on net, two blocked, two misses) muttering to himself.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While chatting during a recent visit, my niece stood next to a chair and put one foot on the seat.—
Jacobina Martin,
Washington Post,
1 Apr. 2026
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And don't forget to join the Bake Club Group chat over on Substack.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But when the disheveled, withdrawn ex-friend shows up in the locker room gibbering about an evil spirit, Sam is mortified, impulsively knocking to the ground the grungy-looking Mason jar that Tamira has been carrying around.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
18 Sep. 2023
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For a while, police interest bent toward a Phud who had been warned he might be eliminated from the program, who had seemed almost exultant about the fire and gibbered gleefully about the media spotlight.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2018
Verb
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The second time around, the glass rattled as Ovechkin made contact with York, and the crowd at Capital One Arena noticed.—
Bailey Johnson,
Washington Post,
1 Apr. 2026
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Since strikes began in February, Iran has blocked tanker traffic through the strait, sending global energy prices surging and rattling financial markets.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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It’s equipped with a 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync technology to eliminate image tearing and stuttering, ensuring even fast action scenes remain seamless.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
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After stuttering through trade rumours last week, Matthew Knies had another noticeable game Saturday night with an assist.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sputter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sputter. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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