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
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
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Further fuel to the speculation surrounding Breakker's future is the reported involvement of WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
In the big picture scheme of things, the comeback continued a strong start for the Giants, who are 11-4 through 15 games, marking their best beginning since winning 13 of 15 at the outset of 2003 and Lee is fueling things after missing most of last season with a shoulder injury.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Noun
The major driver for the decline in coal use is the economic competition with cheaper and cleaner fuels, such as natural gas and renewables, Ryna Cui, research director for the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland, told ABC News.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Further fuel to the speculation surrounding Breakker's future is the reported involvement of WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman.
—Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
In ensuing days the number of nations and products rapidly expanded, crushing investors and fueling turmoil in the bond markets.
—John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
In the big picture scheme of things, the comeback continued a strong start for the Giants, who are 11-4 through 15 games, marking their best beginning since winning 13 of 15 at the outset of 2003 and Lee is fueling things after missing most of last season with a shoulder injury.
—Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
Cite this Entry
“Fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fuel. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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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