verb

fizzle

FIH-zuhl

Fizzle (verb) means to gradually fail or fade away after a promising start. Example: “The protest movement fizzled out within a few weeks.”

verb

To gradually fail or fade away after a promising start.

"The protest movement fizzled out within a few weeks."

"His comeback attempt fizzled after just two games."

To make a soft hissing or sputtering sound.

"The wet firework fizzled instead of exploding."

noun

A failure or disappointing outcome, especially after high expectations.

"The much-hyped launch turned out to be a total fizzle."

How to use fizzle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo lose momentum and fail, usually after starting with promise — "fizzle out."

Common pairings

fizzle out a total fizzle

Word forms

fizzled past tense, fizzles plural, fizzles singular

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The protest movement _____ out within a few weeks.

Etymology

From an older English word meaning "to break wind quietly" — the current sense of "petering out" developed later from the idea of a weak, fading hiss.

Synonyms

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bust flop hiss hissing hushing taper off peter out sibilation fizzle out

Related words

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Rhymes for fizzle

sizzle drizzle

See all rhymes for fizzle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “fizzle” mean?

The word “fizzle” means to gradually fail or fade away after a promising start. In plain terms, to lose momentum and fail, usually after starting with promise — "fizzle out.".

How do you pronounce “fizzle”?

“Fizzle” is pronounced FIH-zuhl (/ˈfɪzəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “fizzle” in a sentence?

Here is “fizzle” used in a sentence: “The protest movement fizzled out within a few weeks.”

What part of speech is “fizzle”?

Depending on how it is used, “fizzle” can be a verb and a noun.

How many meanings does “fizzle” have?

“Fizzle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to gradually fail or fade away after a promising start.

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