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 His death sparked outrage across the community and became a catalyst for Mexican American activism, with Pike Park, where Santos once played, becoming a place for protesting and organizing. — Alexis Guerrero, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 In the 1980s, Kagan found that a catalyst, a helper that speeds up a reaction, does not have to be entirely made of molecules with the same handedness to make a purely single-handed product. — Mallory Green, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 The author went on to claim that the former NFL player’s overcommitment to his career was the primary catalyst for Brady and Bündchen’s divorce. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 8 Oct. 2026 In the early 1980s, French chemist Kagan found ways to control chemical reactions with different types of catalysts, allowing scientists to produce a greater excess of one of the mirror image molecules. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst

Noun

The Fed slashed its benchmark interest rate to near zero, but the economy still needed stimulus.

— Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026
The leaders who are willing to pause between stimulus and response create sustainable change.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

Montanans are suffocating due to an affordability crisis, rising fuel prices and an inexplicable war.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Oil is big over there, and the two sides are targeting fuel operations, trying to destroy the war-making ability of the other.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of fuel

Noun

Unions can also be powerful tools for combating racial pay discrimination; the new report shows tripling union membership would narrow the racial wage gap by more than a third.

— Liz Shuler, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
Together, the tools could help accelerate the development of more resilient electric motor systems while reducing the risks associated with critical material shortages, volatile supply chains and rapidly changing global markets.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

The trigger for lithium-ion battery fires is a process called thermal runaway, a cascading sequence of heat-releasing reactions inside the battery cell.

— Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Locals and tourists calling Luna’s name or chasing her trigger her fight-or-flight response and drive the dog further into the park, Boucher said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 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

It was subsequently formalized through a trilateral mechanism involving Qatar, Israel, and the United Nations, designed to administer the aid with international and Israeli oversight.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
In reality, the additional twelve teams added a a justification mechanism to the postseason, given how many schools are spending over $30 million per year just to piece together a roster good enough to contend for a playoff spot.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of mechanism

Noun

The impetus for Whalefall came from a viral video in which a kayaker ended up in the mouth of a whale.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
So, if your travels find you in Milan before 2027 kicks off, consider this your impetus to go ahead and book that room.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

People were urged to exercise extreme caution with any outdoor activities involving fire or potential sparks.

— Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Already sporting offers from Illinois and Michigan, Holcomb has provided a huge spark offensively for Brother Rice (6-2, 1-1), according to senior receiver Lucas Strang.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026