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
Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026
That's compared to the same vehicle with a traditional ICE powertrain running non-renewable fuel averaging the same 12,500 km (7,767 miles) per year.
—New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026
James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026
The clashes between the cartel and military forces have fueled a deluge of disinformation on social media, compounding anxiety among those stranded in the city.
—Philip Wang, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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Noun
After the Cold War ended, storage basins attached to the K reactors were reused to hold about 2,300 tons of highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel underwater.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026
That's compared to the same vehicle with a traditional ICE powertrain running non-renewable fuel averaging the same 12,500 km (7,767 miles) per year.
—New Atlas, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
This fuels an insatiable anger and bloodlust in Baldur, who favors a brawling fighting style that blends his immense power with the raw impact of his fists.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 24 Feb. 2026
The clashes between the cartel and military forces have fueled a deluge of disinformation on social media, compounding anxiety among those stranded in the city.
—Philip Wang, Time, 24 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 25 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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