Definitions

fossil fuels

NOUN

fuel derived from prehistoric organisms

Synonyms

WEAK

hydrocarbon deposit nonrenewable energy nonrenewable fuel source

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Early statistics show the war has spurred explosive demand for electric vehicles and other energy sources that don’t use fossil fuels.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

Exxon prides itself on its ability to find and extract fossil fuels hidden deep in the earth’s crevices.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

According to the study, dependence on fossil fuels has temporarily hidden the effects of ecological overshoot by supporting food production, industrial growth, and energy supplies.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

As well as pricing issues, some commentators believe China wants to avoid over-dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

But Naylor’s farm is one link in a chain that includes fossil fuels, artificial fertilizer, pesticides, heavy machinery, feedlots, antibiotics, and processing plants.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan