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 Now, Kaya travels with Rossdale on the road, spends his days getting plenty of exercise and attention, and has become the catalyst for the rock star’s increasingly vocal advocacy for shelter animals. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 27 Aug. 2026 The congestion at the major ports is a catalyst for recent increases in container prices for intra-Asia trade. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 The company previously stated that the murder of George Floyd was a catalyst for its DEI initiatives. — Nancy Jiang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Hakim said the project should be a catalyst for the Wolf Branch Innovation District. — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst

Noun

Shape-memory polymers can be programmed to return to a particular shape after exposure to a stimulus, often heat.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Surrounded by the healing landscape of the Sonoran Desert, the luxe getaway has welcomed travelers seeking to put aside digital overload and other overwhelming stimuli in order to reconnect with the best versions of themselves.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

JetZero says its unusual configuration could reduce fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 50% compared with conventional aircraft carrying the same number of passengers.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
That means Roman’s onboard fuel could instead help extend the observatory’s five-year mission to a full decade.

— Lee Billings, Scientific American, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of fuel

Noun

Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon, as well as harsh chemicals and abrasive tools, to protect the glaze.

— Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026
The country's largest school district now has some of the strictest guidelines around younger students using artificial intelligence tools in school — at least, temporarily.

— Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

He isn’t believed to be the trigger man, but under Nevada law, helping to commit a murder is enough, prosecutors say.

— Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
The look often leaned heavily into Tuscan style—a trigger word for those who lived through 2000s decorating trends.

— Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

This is evidenced by the countless projects and initiatives that have emerged over these nearly three decades to honor her memory and carry on her charitable work in support of important social causes.

— Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
For his part, Johnson — who has not yet announced a reelection bid — credits progressive policies aimed at the root causes of crime, including major spending on youth summer jobs and community violence intervention.

— Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of cause

Noun

Overheating or air bubbles cause the mechanism to enter limp mode, circulating fluid without cooling it.

— Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Screening the electron interactions weakened and ultimately eliminated superconductivity, supporting an unconventional mechanism for electron pairing.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of mechanism

Noun

But the original impetus concerned women not having to get their Manolo Blahniks stuck in the mud.

— Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
The Jets have no impetus to rush a trade — and Jets fans are well-versed in Cheveldayoff’s stubborn patience from Jacob Trouba’s 2016 contract holdout and trades involving Evander Kane, Trouba, Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois.

— James Mirtle, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

The failure can expose metal from the wheel or other vehicle components, which can scrape against pavement and create sparks or intense heat.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
For three years now, many have feared that Hezbollah’s war with Israel could be the spark that lights the tinderbox.

— Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026