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
Charles Singh, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025
The tariff escalation provided the spark, while excessive leverage in crypto markets supplied the fuel.
—Lyssanoel Frater, Freep.com, 25 Nov. 2025
Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Big Corp’s own internal studies show that this addiction fuels anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation among minors.
—Marsha Blackburn, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
From the Toyota Camry to the Honda Civic, car buyers have a wide variety of fuel-efficient models to choose from.
—Charles Singh, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025
The tariff escalation provided the spark, while excessive leverage in crypto markets supplied the fuel.
—Lyssanoel Frater, Freep.com, 25 Nov. 2025
Verb
Jeremy Swayman and Jakub Chychrun both earned a look this month, but the third star belongs to Brandon Hagel, whose pesky all-around game has helped fuel the Lightning through some key absences.
—Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025
Big Corp’s own internal studies show that this addiction fuels anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation among minors.
—Marsha Blackburn, Time, 1 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 3 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share