FUEL Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

fuel 1 of 2

noun

ˈfyü(-ə)l

Definition of fuel

as in energy

something with a usable capacity for doing work such nonrenewable fuels as coal, petroleum, and natural gas

Synonyms & Similar Words

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fuel

2 of 2

verb

as in to power

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of fuel

Noun

The most basic building block is warmer water temperatures, which peak in September after basking in summer’s heat, and provide fuel for storms to form and strengthen. — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 That is largely due to a sharp increase in the price of jet fuel, a major input cost for airlines, said Berg of Hopper. — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

Taking a moment to communicate with your teams about how they are appreciated and reviewing the work involved in getting there can fuel continued momentum. — Rachel Kule, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Prolonged drought and extremely dry conditions helped fuel the fire. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fuel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fuel

Noun

Collaboration improves when everyone knows where to place their energy.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
But the reflation boost appears to be petering out as much of the price recovery has been driven by surging global energy costs, while domestic demand lags.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of energy

Verb

Roman then opened its array of solar panels and sunshades, which power the craft and keep its sensitive instruments cool.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
The tiny chargers that power our phones have a secret weapon known as gallium nitride (GaN).

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of power

Verb

On Location, which sells premium packages at high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl and the US Open, helped generate $666 million in revenue for the first six months of this year — a 60% increase compared to the year prior.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
The results showed that the deformation became stronger toward the section of the ceiling directly beneath the roadside above the shaft, similar to how modern LiDAR systems can generate detailed three-dimensional measurements.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of generate

Verb

The scale of this reliance was particularly evident during the 2022 fighting in the Donbas region, when Russian forces were firing approximately 20,000 artillery rounds per day, with peak rates exceeding 32,000 rounds on some days.

— Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Iran still has enough drones and missiles to fire at vessels transiting the vital energy waterway, through which 20% of the world’s oil normally flows, effectively controlling much of the traffic in the strait.

— Konstantin Toropin, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of fire

Verb

Miami is 10 points behind Nashville in the Eastern Conference standings and three points ahead of the surging Chicago Fire, who have a game in hand and are energized with the arrival of Polish star Robert Lewandowski.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026
DedCool 01 Taunt Eau de Parfum Taunt may be the sweetest fragrance on this list, but its sugary vanilla is undercut by a fresh, energizing burst of bergamot and dewy blackcurrant buds.

— Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of energize

Verb

Adebo could still push Banks, while Phillips has secured the slot job.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
That more than doubled its stock, pushing its market cap above $9 billion, adding to the bottom line of Thrive and Kushner, who is vice chairman and has personal holdings.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of push

Browse Nearby Words

fuds

fuel

fueled

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Style

“Fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuel. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of fuel

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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