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
Michael Rios, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Nightmare fuel that won’t make anyone rush out to buy a grooming kit.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that Andrew’s damaging behavior has left the monarchy vulnerable and fueled public mistrust.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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Noun
On Sunday, Cuba warned airlines that jet fuel would not be available from February 10 to March 11.
—Michael Rios, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Nightmare fuel that won’t make anyone rush out to buy a grooming kit.
—Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
The tech giant on Tuesday issued an extremely rare corporate bond that matures 100 years from now, part of a multibillion-dollar borrowing spree the company is undertaking to fuel its AI ambitions.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that Andrew’s damaging behavior has left the monarchy vulnerable and fueled public mistrust.
—Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 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 12 Feb. 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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