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
David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Buc-ee’s has $25 million in annual gross taxable sales, which comes in part from its 18 million gallons of fuel sold each year, according to the presentation.
—Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
After extreme flooding caused a mid-festival cancellation of the 2025 music and arts event, organizers remained mum on new dates, fueling speculation that the festival might not happen in 2026.
—Melonee Hurt, USA Today, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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Noun
This syngas has a wide range of potential applications, including the production of hydrogen fuel.
—David Blekhman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Buc-ee’s has $25 million in annual gross taxable sales, which comes in part from its 18 million gallons of fuel sold each year, according to the presentation.
—Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
Dan Campbell and company have done nothing but allow that playoff loss to fuel them all offseason long.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
After extreme flooding caused a mid-festival cancellation of the 2025 music and arts event, organizers remained mum on new dates, fueling speculation that the festival might not happen in 2026.
—Melonee Hurt, USA Today, 18 July 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 25 Jul. 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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