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 The rain itself is the catalyst; the pest activity that follows may continue despite the weather being dry. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 8 July 2026 The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando in 2010 was the catalyst that drove Universal’s recent success. — Robert Niles, Oc Register, 7 July 2026 According to the team, the discovery is essential for designing advanced catalysts. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026 Virtual assets as the catalyst Virtual assets matter beyond their own market. — Matthew White, Fortune, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst

Noun

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
The stutter, in this case, provides a sudden stimulus that triggers the ’keeper to commit to going in a certain direction early, which can then be exploited with a shot sent the other way.

— Geir Jordet, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Definition of stimulus

Noun

Fighting in the region has kept oil tankers from using the waterway to deliver crude to customers from the Persian Gulf, driving up fuel prices worldwide.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
America became the gas and diesel exporter of last resort after the Middle East stopped exporting fuel during the war.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

Definition of fuel

Noun

He had been bothered by a hamate injury but offers some impressive tools.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
The measure aims to prevent businesses from offering different prices for shoppers based on personal information that is collected using tracking technology or other surveillance electronic tools, unless the businesses follow certain rules.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

The trigger is not typically a specific threat to someone’s career, but broader angst, Pennington says, based on her AI tools’ analysis of the emotional tenor of the conversations.

— Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
Exercise is the most frequent trigger of canine heatstroke, so walk only in early morning or late evening and avoid hot pavement, according to the RSPCA.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, in Muscat on Saturday, during which both officials discussed mechanisms to ensure the safe passage of vessels in the waterway.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
The build-up of lactic acid also can trigger muscle repair mechanisms leading to the growth of the muscles as well.

— Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026

Definition of mechanism

Noun

The impetus for the announcement was the ICE shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas last week.

— Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 12 July 2026
Reserves acted to dampen price pressure at the start of the war; now the impetus to refill them as the cold months approach could act to accelerate price pressure.

— Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

The discomfort of boredom often becomes the spark for curiosity, creativity, independence and discovering lifelong interests.

— Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 16 July 2026
Hanna agreed and provided a spark off the bench, averaging five points, an assist and a steal per game in 12 minutes of action.

— Latif Love July 16, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026