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.

The Iran war also created demand for alternatives to fossil fuels.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Airlines so far have favored these “drop-in fuels,” because they are chemically identical to fossil fuels and work with traditional engines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Professor Bradshaw says this level of population growth is only possible because societies have relied heavily on fossil fuels and consumed natural resources faster than Earth can replenish them.

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

It was grown without the help of fossil fuels, pesticides, or chemical fertilizers.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan