Fuel — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈfyü(-ə)l/ fu·el

Meaning & Definition of Fuel

Fuel (noun)

  1. a material used to produce heat or power by burning
  2. nutritive material
  3. a material from which atomic energy can be liberated especially in a reactor

Fuel (verb)

  1. to provide with fuel
  2. support, stimulate
  3. to take in fuel —often used with up

Fuel (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something with a usable capacity for doing work

    "such nonrenewable fuels as coal, petroleum, and natural gas"

    similar: energy, power
    related: kindling, propellant, force

Fuel (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in push, charge

    similar: charge, electrify, energize, fire, generate, power, push, kick over, turn over, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on, reactivate, recharge, arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize, ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken, stir up, accelerate, catalyze, speed (up), step up
    opposite: cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off, arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop, decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fuel

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fuel:

energy, power, charge, electrify, energize, fire, generate, push, kick over, turn over, discharge, launch, release, switch, trip, activate, actuate, crank (up), drive, move, run, set off, spark, start, touch off, trigger, turn on, reactivate, recharge, arouse, excite, jump-start, kick-start, stimulate, vitalize, ignite, incite, instigate, provoke, quicken

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Fuel

Words with the opposite meaning of Fuel:

cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off, arrest, brake, check, cut off, draw up, halt, jam, stall, stick, stop, decelerate, repress, slow, stunt, suppress

Related Words for Fuel

kindling, propellant, force

Word Forms of Fuel

Inflections: fueled, fuelled, fueling, fuelling

Origin & Etymology of Fuel

Middle English fewel, from Anglo-French fuail, feuaile, from Vulgar Latin *focalia, from Latin focus hearth

First known use: 13th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Fuel

Words & Phrases Containing Fuel

fuel cell, fuel injection, fuel oil, fuel economy, fuel up, alternative fuel, diesel fuel, flex-fuel

Frequently Asked Questions about Fuel

What does "Fuel" mean?

"Fuel" means a material used to produce heat or power by burning. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a material used to produce heat or power by burning. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Fuel"?

Other words for "Fuel" include energy, power, charge, electrify, energize, fire, generate and push. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fuel" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fuel"?

There are 48 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fuel". Common alternatives include energy, power, charge, electrify, energize, fire, generate, push, kick over and turn over.

What is the opposite of "Fuel"?

Antonyms of "Fuel" include cut, cut out, deactivate, kill, shut off, turn off, arrest and brake.

How do you use "Fuel" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fuel" in a sentence: "such nonrenewable fuels as coal, petroleum, and natural gas".

Is "Fuel" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fuel" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Fuel" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Fuel" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Fuel"?

"Fuel" is pronounced /ˈfyü(-ə)l/ and divided into syllables as fu·el.