nuclear energy

[noo-klee-er en-er-jee, nyoo-] / ˈnu kli ər ˈɛn ər dʒi, ˈnyu- /

NOUN

radioactive energy source

Synonyms

STRONGEST

atomic energy nuclear power

WEAK

atomic power fission power fusion power nuclear fission power nuclear fusion power thermonuclear energy thermonuclear power

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.

On an even more ambitious note, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is pushing to develop nuclear energy on the surface of the moon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The global artificial intelligence buildout, with its insatiable appetite for reliable baseload electricity to power data centers, is accelerating that interest in nuclear energy further.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

A power purchasing agreement with nuclear energy start-up Helion Energy was flagged as particularly worrisome, given the firm has yet to ever deliver any power.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

However, Wang added, “China supports Iran’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and security,” including its right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

“It may be that the day of useful nuclear energy is not so far distant after all,” he wrote to his fellow cyclotron builder Alexander Allen.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik