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
Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 24 Dec. 2025
The state also has strong competition among retailers and easy access to the winter fuel blend that typically lowers production costs each year.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025
Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Ryan, Foehrkolb and Phillips all said their resignations were fueled by the actions of Councilwoman Deb Jung and Liz Walsh, accusing them of political interference in the board's work.
—Dennis Valera, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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Noun
Crews also mitigated a small fuel leak from the aircraft after the crash, firefighters said.
—Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 24 Dec. 2025
The state also has strong competition among retailers and easy access to the winter fuel blend that typically lowers production costs each year.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Dec. 2025
Verb
Dart further fueled rumors, liking a number of Ayers’ Instagram posts, including a roundup of photos from her Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend and her mermaid bikini costume in New York City.
—Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 22 Dec. 2025
Ryan, Foehrkolb and Phillips all said their resignations were fueled by the actions of Councilwoman Deb Jung and Liz Walsh, accusing them of political interference in the board's work.
—Dennis Valera, CBS News, 22 Dec. 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 24 Dec. 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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