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 This capability is especially valuable for catalyst research. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026 Profound internal shifts act as catalysts for bold moves in the outer world. — Usa Today, USA Today, 27 July 2026 But at the end of the day, food is a catalyst for conversation and camaraderie. — Claire Hall, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026 Williams has been a catalyst for the cause, even without knowing what women’s sports would face after ten years following those comments. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst

Noun

The next frontier of value will not be the fastest answer or the most personalized stimulus.

— Regan Peng, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Analysts said the persistence of such underlying weakness also raises the question of whether Chinese officials will turn to more fiscal stimulus to try and boost domestic spending.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

And, crucially, removing fuel is the only element of the natural factors affecting the spread of a wildfire that humans can control.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
After spending months negotiating a pricey purchase of the private fuel yard that keeps PortMiami ships running, two top deputies to Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava were shocked when their boss abruptly rejected the deal.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026

Definition of fuel

Noun

With Liverpool’s Premier League season opener away to Newcastle United four weeks tomorrow, Iraola doesn’t yet have all the tools required to ensure his reign gets off to a flyer.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Traditional surface-to-air missiles, or SAMs, remain among the most powerful tools available for defending airspace.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 July 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

Federal grants can’t be canceled without cause, and the reliability of that funding was crucial, Miller said.

— Lisa Song, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Additional hormone testing helps identify the underlying cause, and your doctor may order more tests to rule out other medical conditions.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026

Definition of cause

Noun

So that was kind of the the impetus and interest inside of Amazon.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 23 July 2026
The visit also gave new impetus to economic ties, with both countries agreeing to rapidly increase bilateral trade, expand cooperation in economic forums such as the World Trade Organization, and establish a financial dialogue mechanism.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026