catalytic

adjective

cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌka-tə-ˈli-tik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
catalytically adverb

Examples of catalytic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Residents believe the very presence of the headquarters will be catalytic, driving further economic growth throughout the community. Lenwood V. Long, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025 African philanthropy—with its deep local knowledge and connection to communities—is well placed to play a catalytic leadership role in this transition. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025 Beyond this, financial actors can accelerate progress by developing accessible instruments, like loan guarantees or catalytic capital, that reflect supplier realities. Kurt Kipka, Sourcing Journal, 5 Aug. 2025 Then, a series of filters removes salts and some of the organic contaminants, followed by a chemical process called catalytic oxidation that uses heat and oxygen to break down the remaining organic compounds. Berrin Tansel, The Conversation, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for catalytic

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalytic was in 1836

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catalytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalytic. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

catalytic

adjective
cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
the catalytic action of an enzyme

Medical Definition

catalytic

adjective
cat·​a·​lyt·​ic ˌkat-ᵊl-ˈit-ik How to pronounce catalytic (audio)
: causing, involving, or relating to catalysis
a catalytic reaction
catalytically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on catalytic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!