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
Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
Although high gas prices historically spur demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, production cuts may prevent buyers from switching to EVs despite rising pump costs.
—Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
The unusually warm temperatures, combined with muggy air, dew points in the mid-60s, and other atmospheric ingredients, will create an unstable air mass that can fuel severe storms.
—Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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Noun
Companies, meanwhile, would see their own bills jump for fuel and to stock items on their store shelves or in their data warehouses.
—Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
Although high gas prices historically spur demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, production cuts may prevent buyers from switching to EVs despite rising pump costs.
—Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Over the past couple of years, the surge in artificial intelligence fueled by apps, websites and other tech has created the need for the rapid expansion of massive data centers to handle the demand.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026
The unusually warm temperatures, combined with muggy air, dew points in the mid-60s, and other atmospheric ingredients, will create an unstable air mass that can fuel severe storms.
—Kansas City Star, 10 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 14 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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