catalyst

Definition of catalystnext

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 Ball served as the catalyst, pushing the Hornets (37-34) in a game needed to keep pace with the likes of Atlanta, Orlando, Miami and Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament picture. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2026 If the New York Times bestseller was a catalyst stateside, what drove convinced people to go abroad? Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2026 An unusually strong and sprawling heat dome is the catalyst for the heat, but the magnitude is undoubtedly being worsened by planet-warming pollution. Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026 Goodtime was one of the big catalysts of that initiative, said Ciraldo. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst
Noun
  • But there are a number of reasons to file tax returns even when they’re not strictly required, including claiming tax credits, getting back income tax withheld from paychecks or retirement accounts, and getting access to any future government stimulus payments that might be offered.
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Unlike conventional systems that are often heavy and mechanically complex, this lightweight material responds to external stimuli such as heat.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Millions of motorists across Thailand woke up Thursday to the steepest fuel-price increases in decades after the government moved to rein in subsidies strained by surging global oil costs.
    Randy Thanthong-Knight, Bloomberg, 26 Mar. 2026
  • According to MySA, signs appeared at certain Buc-ee’s fuel pumps instructing customers using a credit or debit card to pay at the pump.
    Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Seven stacks of tiny paper cups were arranged to the left, next to packets of Nescafé, pouches of two-minute noodles, and a double gas burner connected to the cylinder—the main tool of his trade.
    Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Abbott’s use of AL16 as a marketing tool worked.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Although eating an allergen is the most common and important trigger of severe allergic reactions, there are also other ways to come in contact with a food allergen.
    Dr. Sonja O'Leary, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
  • It is made of 18/8 stainless steel and has a trigger-action lid that allows for one-handed use without leaks.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Actors and rock stars from the counterculture scene—including the band Jefferson Airplane—started donating money and cars to the cause.
    Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
  • No arrests have been made at this time, and the fire marshal has not yet determined the cause of the fire.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Then the drones detach from their charging mechanism and take off.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The snacks on this list cost almost nothing and address the underlying mechanism behind most 3 AM wake-ups.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • His impetus to draw these posters — which are available for sale on his website — is self-driven.
    Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
  • While the trade deal had been in negotiations for years, held up by domestic opposition, Washington’s tariff campaign created a new impetus.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That combination can turn a small spark into a fast-moving fire.
    Joe Ruch, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Witness footage from inside the cabin showed sparks and flames trailing from beneath the wing as the jet climbed out.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Catalyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catalyst. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on catalyst

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster