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

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 The stronger catalyst also demonstrated encouraging durability. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026 Rafael Espinal, Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, on how New York continues to serve as a massive IRL stage and a catalyst for community, culture and large-scale experiences. — William Earl, Variety, 29 Sep. 2026 Introducing market forces to the Western defense ecosystem is the critical catalyst that will prepare the United States and its allies for the future of warfare. — Dan Driscoll, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2026 Credit Suisse’s anchor investors functioned as liquidity backstops rather than governance catalysts. — Albana Vrioni, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst

Noun

The leaders who are willing to pause between stimulus and response create sustainable change.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Researchers have studied how certain facial and auricular stimuli interact with parasympathetic activity.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

There’s the plush seating area for makeup, hair, and comfortable waiting, of course, but there’s also a bathroom replete with outlets for styling tools and with multiple sinks.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
This year's prizes began with the Nobel for medicine, awarded Monday to three scientists whose work led to a tool that uses light to help unravel how the brain works.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

Most breast cancer cases in older women are estrogen-receptor positive (ER+), meaning that tumor cells have receptors that bind to estrogen and trigger cancer growth.

— Allessandra DiCorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
Gut inflammation may disrupt essential bacteria that help the body digest certain trigger foods, according to a new study published Wednesday in the journal Gastroenterology.

— Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation, the department said.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
The disaster management agency is trying to determine the cause of the flash flood in the Budhi Gandaki river, which merges into the Trishuli river and is a key waterway near the capital Kathmandu.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of cause

Noun

By combining the two medications, EloraTZP is designed to build on the effects of tirzepatide while introducing a complementary mechanism for controlling food intake.

— Mike McRae October 09, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
Reliable guidance and control mechanisms remain equally important for ensuring accuracy and maintaining stability under demanding flight conditions.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026