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
Synonyms of fizzlenext

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 of fizzle

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Verb

Noun

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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
Built up as a novel of our current strife, the book fizzles into a sort of boomer bildungsroman. — Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026 But — like the announcement of the city’s bounce from Olympic contention — the festival fizzled. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
When talking about stocks that have lost their fizzle, Pepsi comes to the top of the list. — Jay Woods, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026 The Guardians saw a rally fizzle when Steven Kwan grounded into an inning-ending double play. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for fizzle

See All Rhymes for fizzle

Browse Nearby Words

fizzer
fizzle
fizzwater
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fizzle. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fizzle

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