as in stimulus
something that arouses action or activity
Her expulsion from the university proved to be a catalyst for needed change.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of catalyst
An email, text, or casual comment could act as a catalyst for a whole new perspective.
—
Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Aug. 2025
This doomsday diagnosis become the catalyst for the events transpiring in the novels that have been loosely adapted into the narrative of Apple TV+'s immersive sci-fi show.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The analysis suggests that the potential catalyst of the collapse could occur within the next few decades, with the actual collapse taking place between 50 and 100 years later.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
The proposal now sweeps more industries: printing, sealing, machinery, technical textiles, broader medical packaging and pharmaceutical ingredients—even military and explosives applications, plus general industrial uses like solvents and catalysts.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catalyst
Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Aug. 2025
This doomsday diagnosis become the catalyst for the events transpiring in the novels that have been loosely adapted into the narrative of Apple TV+'s immersive sci-fi show.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The analysis suggests that the potential catalyst of the collapse could occur within the next few decades, with the actual collapse taking place between 50 and 100 years later.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
The proposal now sweeps more industries: printing, sealing, machinery, technical textiles, broader medical packaging and pharmaceutical ingredients—even military and explosives applications, plus general industrial uses like solvents and catalysts.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catalyst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst
Noun
-
Miran has been critical of the Fed in the past, specifically taking issues with its aggressive stimulus during the Covid crisis.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
-
In 2022, the British prime minister backed a mini-budget featuring a raft of unfunded fiscal stimulus, spooking the City to the extent that the pound spiraled to its lowest value ever against the dollar.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Dreamliner is 25% more fuel-efficient than older models due to lighter construction and advanced engines.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Smoke remains visible near Patterson Bluff and Dinkey Creek as fuels continue to consume in the fire perimeter.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Figma added four new AI-native tools to its platform this quarter and told investors on the call to expect significant investments in AI going forward.—
Allie Garfinkle,
Fortune,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Traders currently place the odds of a 25 basis-point cut at 98 percent, according to the CME FedWatch tool.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
However, a Minnesota court struck down the binary trigger ban, arguing that the legislature violated the state constitution’s single-subject clause by burying the ban inside a sprawling spending bill.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Traditional microneedling relies on metal rollers or electronic pens to physically puncture the skin and create tiny wounds that trigger collagen production.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The cause of the accident was not immediately known, although the car appeared to have derailed, which a source from the Lisbon Firefighters Regiment told local media may have been caused by a loose cable leading to brake failure.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The cause of it is still under investigation.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
With the deal set to expire in October, the snapback mechanism could reinstate sanctions that had been lifted.—
Amir Daftari,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
In Indiana, teacher injury data is collected through Data Exchange, the standard data submission mechanism for schools.—
IndyStar,
IndyStar,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Almost exactly a year ago, Glasnow’s absence provided the impetus for Roberts’ rallying cry that carried the Dodgers to October.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
That was the impetus to reimagine that story.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even sparks or embers carried by the wind can ignite nearby leaves or grass, triggering a fire that spreads rapidly.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
State fire officials determined the fire started after a SoCal Edison power line came into contact with a Frontier communications messenger cable, creating an arc and causing sparks to fall and ignite the vegetation below.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Catalyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catalyst. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share