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
Andrew Stasiowski, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Inflation and fuel prices are rising.
—John Whitehead, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Experts warn that prediction markets are stoking corruption in the US — hundreds have placed successful bets on key events in the Iran war, The New York Times reported — fueling growing calls for Congress to regulate the marketplaces to prevent officials from profiting from privileged information.
—Semafor Events, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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Noun
Our approach would replace the outdated fuel-tax model with an annual fee based on vehicle weight, collected by states at the point of registration.
—Andrew Stasiowski, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Inflation and fuel prices are rising.
—John Whitehead, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
The fire moved north from Oceanside Boulevard toward the El Corazon Senior Center, with wind and terrain helping fuel its spread.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Experts warn that prediction markets are stoking corruption in the US — hundreds have placed successful bets on key events in the Iran war, The New York Times reported — fueling growing calls for Congress to regulate the marketplaces to prevent officials from profiting from privileged information.
—Semafor Events, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026
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 Apr. 2026.
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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