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
Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 17 Mar. 2026
It's believed that the difference between a small profit and bankruptcy may be based on whether farmers locked in fuel and fertilizer prices before the war started.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026
Energy revenue has fueled the four-year war waged by President Vladimir Putin on his country, and Russian forces have relentlessly targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure throughout the conflict.
—Lorne Cook The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
In Brazil, higher fuel costs are taking a toll on soybean farmers, leading to a surge in prices and fueling anxiety in China, the world’s biggest soy buyer.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 17 Mar. 2026
It's believed that the difference between a small profit and bankruptcy may be based on whether farmers locked in fuel and fertilizer prices before the war started.
—Arkansas Online, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
The price pullback came even as fresh strikes in the UAE fueled fears of prolonged supply disruptions amid the Iran conflict.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2026
Energy revenue has fueled the four-year war waged by President Vladimir Putin on his country, and Russian forces have relentlessly targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure throughout the conflict.
—Lorne Cook The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 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 18 Mar. 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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