to make a series of soft explosive or spitting sounds, to speak in a hesitant or faltering manner, to move with a series of explosive or spitting sounds

sputter out, sputter to a stop, sputter with laughter

Formal and Informal Expressions of sputter

In different contexts, you can replace 'sputter' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'splutter' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'spit, spit out' is a commonplace synonym.

sputter: Explore its Definition & Usage

sputter Definition

1to make a series of soft explosive or spitting sounds
2to speak in a hesitant or faltering manner
3to move with a series of explosive or spitting sounds

Using sputter: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sputter" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The engine sputtered and died.
Example
He sputtered out an apology.
Example
The bacon sputtered in the pan.
Example
The fireworks sputtered and fizzled out.
Example
She sputtered with anger.

sputter Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sputter

Phrases with sputter

sputter out
to come to an end in a weak or ineffective manner
Example
The party sputtered out after midnight when everyone left.
sputter to a stop
to gradually slow down and stop with a series of explosive or spitting sounds
Example
The car sputtered to a stop on the side of the road.
sputter with laughter
to laugh in a series of short, explosive bursts
Example
She sputtered with laughter at his joke.

Origins of sputter

from Middle Dutch 'spatten', meaning 'to spatter'

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Summary: sputter in Brief

The verb 'sputter' [ˈspʌtər] refers to making soft explosive or spitting sounds, speaking hesitantly, or moving with explosive sounds. It can be used to describe engines, bacon in a pan, or fireworks fizzling out. Phrases like 'sputter out' and 'sputter to a stop' denote weak or ineffective endings, while 'sputter with laughter' describes laughing in short bursts.