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 Heiko Nix, Siemens’ Global Head of Cash Management and Payments, describes technology as a catalyst for reinventing payments, not merely improving treasury processes. — Andreas Schweitzer, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Related Stories While these battles have been brewing for some time, two recent reports released this week have served as catalysts for the current situation. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026 Re-creating the Book Cover for Fans The scene illustrated on the cover of Hazelwood’s novel—Olive and Adam’s first kiss—is the catalyst for everything that happens in the story and was shot multiple times from different angles. — Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026 Olive and Anh’s deep friendship serves as the catalyst for Hazelwood’s novel. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst

Noun

The goal is to spread out the incoming traffic and economic stimulus beyond the major hubs and peak tourist seasons of July and August.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Another compartment for the negative stimuli, such as the spray or shock.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

International travel demand has held up despite surging fuel prices, airline executives have said.

— Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
The agency also said that while new fuel-efficient vehicles cost more up front, savings on gasoline over the lifetime of the car or truck would more than make up for that.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of fuel

Noun

Brennan said 75 percent of bids in Christie’s luxury auctions now arrive through its online tools.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Researchers found that the Windows branch could use PowerShell and other tools to eventually load malware directly into memory.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

Much like an engine compresses fuel before ignition, FLARE first assembles the fuel to high density before delivering a separate, rapid burst of energy to trigger fusion.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Electrolyte disturbances during unsupervised fasts can destabilize the heart and trigger arrhythmias.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

In other words, the membrane isn’t simply a dense metal barrier; its ability to temporarily absorb hydrogen is what makes the transport mechanism work.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
In order to set off a bioweapon, for example, AI models (without people) would somehow have to access sensitive and highly restricted material, enter incredibly sophisticated laboratories, operate this equipment, and determine mechanisms of release.

— Rumman Chowdhury, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of mechanism

Noun

The stadium announcer can be heard telling fans about some sort of promotion, so that might have been the impetus for Kelce’s Big Mac pep talk.

— Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026
The original impetus for quantum cosmology is to do with the fact that the Big Bang model is based on quantum matter, but classical gravity.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

After a dismal outing on Sunday, the Indiana Fever got their spark back on Tuesday, cruising to a 96–77 win over the league-best Minnesota Lynx in their final game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse of the regular season.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
But every infected traveler is a spark, and in warm states the tinder is already there.

— Andrés Henao, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026