splutters

Speaks with spitting

Splutters is the third-person singular of splutter, meaning to make a series of spitting or choking sounds, often while trying to speak: The engine spluttered and died.

Someone who splutters speaks in confused bursts, typically from anger or surprise: He spluttered with indignation.

The word suggests messiness—liquid or words coming out in irregular spurts.

speech

stammer

Speak with involuntary repetitions

  • stutterInvoluntary speech repetition
  • falterLose momentum or steadiness
  • gaspSudden sharp breath

mumble · fumble · blurt · babble · gibberish · incoherent · choke · outburst · exclaim · protest

engine

misfire

Failure to discharge

  • backfireYield unintended consequences
  • stallEnclosed compartment or delay
  • coughExplosive airway clearing

choke · idle · hesitate · jerk · buck · knock · ping · diesel · carburetor · ignition

flame

candle

Wax stick with wick

  • wickFuel-drawing cord
  • torchHandheld burning light source
  • fireCombustion with flames

flicker · gutter · fizzle · spark · ember · hearth · lantern · oil lamp · campfire · bonfire

liquid

spray

Dispersed liquid droplets

  • dropletsMinute liquid globules
  • spitExpelled mouth moisture
  • splashLiquid scattering on impact

spatter · dribble · froth · foam · bubble · gurgle · drip · leak · spout · gush

Opposites
speech fluency and clarity

spluttersarticulates

Expresses in words

enunciates · orates · declaims · recites · intones

engine/mechanical function

splutterspurrs

Vibrates with contentment

hums · glides

liquid/sound production quality

spluttersstreams

Continuous flows of something

Family

splutter, spluttered, spluttering

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G