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.
The First Gulf War really had a catalytic effect in shaping how China thought about its own military modernization program. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026 Instead of a mass shooting, which served as the big catalytic event last time around, there’s a water park that suffers the collapse of several key structures. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026 The exchange proved catalytic, with Yannitto bringing the vocabulary of contemporary textile practice into contact with the weavers’ extensive existing knowledge. María Carri, Artforum, 16 Apr. 2026 Houdry’s catalytic invention couldn’t work with leaded gasoline, and it hadn’t been tested in tough conditions, such as freezing cold or sweltering heat. Ann E. Carlson, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Catalytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalytic. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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

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