CATALYST Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

catalyst

noun

Definition of catalyst

as in stimulus

something that arouses action or activity Her expulsion from the university proved to be a catalyst for needed change.

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of catalyst The rain itself is the catalyst; the pest activity that follows may continue despite the weather being dry. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 8 July 2026 The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando in 2010 was the catalyst that drove Universal’s recent success. — Robert Niles, Oc Register, 7 July 2026 According to the team, the discovery is essential for designing advanced catalysts. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026 Virtual assets as the catalyst Virtual assets matter beyond their own market. — Matthew White, Fortune, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst

Noun

Analysts said the persistence of such underlying weakness also raises the question of whether Chinese officials will turn to more fiscal stimulus to try and boost domestic spending.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The stutter, in this case, provides a sudden stimulus that triggers the ’keeper to commit to going in a certain direction early, which can then be exploited with a shot sent the other way.

— Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

Fighting in the region has kept oil tankers from using the waterway to deliver crude to customers from the Persian Gulf, driving up fuel prices worldwide.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
America became the gas and diesel exporter of last resort after the Middle East stopped exporting fuel during the war.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of fuel

Noun

There are several other, safer ways law enforcement can prevent a vehicle from fleeing besides physically blocking its path, such as using spike strips and other tools that can deflate tires, the former chief said.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
This is a smart time to update a rate, ask for better tools, or stop absorbing costs that are not yours.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

The trigger is not typically a specific threat to someone’s career, but broader angst, Pennington says, based on her AI tools’ analysis of the emotional tenor of the conversations.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
Exercise is the most frequent trigger of canine heatstroke, so walk only in early morning or late evening and avoid hot pavement, according to the RSPCA.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

Federal authorities have subjected record numbers of immigrants to mandatory detention, including in inhuman and degrading conditions, while gutting internal oversight mechanisms.

— Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Also, the folding mechanism keeps the panels entirely free of snow and reduces the steep winter efficiency losses that typically plague conventional solar systems.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

Definition of mechanism

Noun

Part of the impetus was a recent initiative called the Outdoor Adventure and Alternative Sports Strategic Plan, which sought to identify how Denver could offer more recreation opportunities to residents.

— Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 17 July 2026
The impetus for baseball to seize control of in-market games was accelerated by the demise of the Main Street Sports RSNs, which marooned nine MLB clubs.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

The discomfort of boredom often becomes the spark for curiosity, creativity, independence and discovering lifelong interests.

— Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 16 July 2026
Hanna agreed and provided a spark off the bench, averaging five points, an assist and a steal per game in 12 minutes of action.

— Latif Love July 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026