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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Dissimilar Words

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

By defining other civilizations as alien cultures, a civilizationist grand strategy might fuel antagonism rather than tolerate differences. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 And in the first half of this year, Americans accounted for 30% of all home sales above $20 million—up from 20% at the end of 2025—helping fuel the £546 million ($730 million) rise within just six months. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fuel

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fuel

Noun

The voyage produced a 24 percent reduction in fuel consumption, according to measurements released by the maritime energy company.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
India's quarterly economic growth has exceeded expectations several times over the past year, defying a bleak global trade environment, high energy prices and geopolitical uncertainties.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 3 Sep. 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

The Associated Press HONG KONG -- Chinese markets are booming with new public stock offerings, energized by the craze for artificial intelligence and other advanced technology and a growing preference to list shares in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Montreal was in 14th place in the East but had been energized by the arrival of Chilean star Alexis Sanchez.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 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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“Fuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fuel. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of fuel

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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