1
as in defeat
a falling short of one's goals
the home team's unexpected fizzle in that last game cost them the championship
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disaster
something that has failed
the play was a fizzle, opening and closing the same night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of fizzle
Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Given her considerable know-how and compelling background, why did Atkins’ campaign fizzle?
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
But the seismic activity fizzled out and nothing else happened, leaving volcanologists and seismologists to puzzle over the episode.
—Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fizzle
Noun
The parks headlining attraction, going out with a fizzle… Very unfortunate end to an iconic ride.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Nov. 2025
Given her considerable know-how and compelling background, why did Atkins’ campaign fizzle?
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Storylines built up in the previous movies fizzled out or were totally ignored, which made the lack of planning even more obvious.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
But the seismic activity fizzled out and nothing else happened, leaving volcanologists and seismologists to puzzle over the episode.
—Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fizzle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fizzle
Noun
-
The margin for error is so little in the South Coast League that a hit here, an error there, can be the difference between victory and defeat.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Scratch him behind the ears and say Good boy over and over so the horse might tire of hearing it, but Pal never would, crunching his peppermint in sweet victory—even defeat.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Chernobyl disaster is the worst nuclear power plant accident ever in terms of death toll and cost.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Satellite connectivity can act as a backup during disasters like hurricanes or wildfires.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
He was later woken up by a hissing sound and noticed a flame on the floor of his bedroom.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
This behavior may include stamping its feet, raising its tail, or hissing.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But Friday was the collapse that may define their season.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Oil revenue is the linchpin of Russia’s economy, allowing Putin to pour money into the armed forces without worsening inflation for everyday people and avoiding a currency collapse.—
Karel Janicek,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Their bite can lead to rapid respiratory failure and paralysis without prompt medical treatment.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Doe alleges the school’s failure to act caused long-term emotional and psychological harm that continues today.—
Lexi Nicklaus,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Shades of purple and pink are also bubbling up.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Doctors noted a crackling sound, suggesting gases bubbling out of his dying flesh, and some of the outer layers of skin were peeling off.—
Beth Mole,
ArsTechnica,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
William Cruz, 49, of Carteret, NJ, was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian causing injury and failure to exercise due care for the fatal crash that claimed Jenny Maribel Chacho Sanchez on April 17.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The corridor, from Del Paso Boulevard to the Steelhead Creek trail crossing, is among the five in Sacramento with the highest numbers of fatal and serious crashes.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Any sort of elimination would obviously be a disappointment, but this dynamic core has an exciting future ahead.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
-
At this point, the sting of postseason disappointment is fresher than the euphoria of lifting the Stanley Cup.—
Eduardo Encina,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fizzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fizzle. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
