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
Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 May 2025
Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try to pressure Hamas into freeing Israeli hostages and has approved plans that could involve seizing the entire Gaza strip and controlling aid.
—Nidal Al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Jefferies says Moody’s move will fuel capital flight from U.S.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fuel
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Noun
McDowell further explained that the white streak was caused by the fuel dump from the upper stage at about 155 miles (250 kilometers) altitude.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 19 May 2025
Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try to pressure Hamas into freeing Israeli hostages and has approved plans that could involve seizing the entire Gaza strip and controlling aid.
—Nidal Al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Verb
As the automotive industry speeds towards a revolution fueled by electric and software-driven vehicles, a parallel transformation is brewing within the financing arms of car manufacturers.
—Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
Jefferies says Moody’s move will fuel capital flight from U.S.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 19 May 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 23 May. 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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