CATALYST Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

catalyst

noun

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 authors note that this outcome is counterintuitive, as it is generally assumed that reactions accelerate when more reactants can reach the catalyst more quickly, pointing instead to a more nuanced underlying principle governing nanoscale catalysis. —

Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026 Smart was the defensive catalyst for the Lakers. —

Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026 The previous two cycles saw TCU sign some of the biggest names in the sports, Hailey Van Lith and Olivia Miles, with both players being catalysts for deep NCAA Tournament runs. —

Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026 Dyson Daniels scored 17, but CJ McCollum, the catalyst of both Atlanta victories, had just six. —

CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst

Noun

Higher-income households cut back more on their gas consumption four years ago than in March, while poorer households likely benefited more from government stimulus programs in 2022.

— Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Heightened uncertainty impacts the labor market with a lag, and the fiscal stimulus from higher refunds will eventually wane, particularly as gas prices remain elevated.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 May 2026