often attributive
1
a
: a material used to produce heat or power by burning
b
: nutritive material
c
: a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor
2
: a source of sustenance or incentive : reinforcement
fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling
1
: to provide with fuel
: to take in fuel
—often used with up
Synonyms
Examples of fuel in a Sentence
Noun
I had the fuel pump replaced on my car.
These latest scandals will provide further fuel for his political opponents.
These latest accusations will only add fuel to the controversy.
The controversy continues to rage, and these latest accusations will only add fuel to the fire.
Verb
The airplanes were fueled in midair.
The criticism she has faced has only fueled her determination to succeed.
Inflation was fueled by high prices.
The strong economy has fueled the construction of new homes.
Recent Examples on the Web
USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
The hybrid-electric propulsion system, developed in partnership with German outfit Torqeedo, uses less fuel than conventional diesel-only setups.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fuel 
Noun
Notification letters are scheduled to be sent to owners about the recall on June 18, the NHTSA said, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly at no cost.
—USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
The hybrid-electric propulsion system, developed in partnership with German outfit Torqeedo, uses less fuel than conventional diesel-only setups.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fuel
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fuel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fuel
Cite this Entry
“Fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fuel
1 of 2 noun
fu·el
ˈfyü(-ə)l 
1
a
: a material used to produce heat or power by burning
b
: a material from which atomic energy can be produced especially in a reactor
2
: a source of energy
fuel
2 of 2 verb
fueled or fuelled; fueling or fuelling
: to supply with or take in fuel
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