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

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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

Most breast cancer cases in older women are estrogen-receptor positive (ER+), meaning that tumor cells have receptors that bind to estrogen and trigger cancer growth.

— Allessandra DiCorato, STAT, 8 Oct. 2026
Gut inflammation may disrupt essential bacteria that help the body digest certain trigger foods, according to a new study published Wednesday in the journal Gastroenterology.

— Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 7 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

By combining the two medications, EloraTZP is designed to build on the effects of tirzepatide while introducing a complementary mechanism for controlling food intake.

— Mike McRae October 09, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
Reliable guidance and control mechanisms remain equally important for ensuring accuracy and maintaining stability under demanding flight conditions.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of mechanism

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