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 The catalyst causes hydrogen peroxide to decompose rapidly into water and oxygen gas. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026 The latest catalyst was the release of a Chinese AI model that cast doubt on hyperscalers’ gargantuan spending plans. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 18 July 2026 Cities around the world have often used mega-events as catalysts for redevelopment. — Jeffrey Bennett, Time, 17 July 2026 Shares trade near the low end of historical multiples despite improving fundamentals and catalysts ahead. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 16 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

Its small size allows it to power cruise missiles and other autonomous platforms where weight, packaging and fuel efficiency directly affect range and payload capacity.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026
Most of its strongest thunderstorms remain confined to the southern half of the circulation, while dry air continues to disrupt development despite fuel from near-record warm Gulf water.

— Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of fuel

Noun

There are several other, safer ways law enforcement can prevent a vehicle from fleeing besides physically blocking its path, such as using spike strips and other tools that can deflate tires, the former chief said.

— Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
This is a smart time to update a rate, ask for better tools, or stop absorbing costs that are not yours.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026

Definition of tool

Noun

Transfer restrictions often require company approvals or trigger rights of first refusal.

— Caroline Farah Lembck, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Given Holzinger’s notoriety, and her own ironic relationship to extremes, her use of trigger warnings, posted before every performance, may seem beside the point, or even hypocritical.

— Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Definition of trigger

Noun

Foodbanks and Hillsborough Burnham has fundraised for the club’s charitable arm, Everton in the Community, and regularly championed fan causes.

— Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 20 July 2026
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but the fulfillment center holds flammables such as household products, paper boxes and vinyl packaging.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

Definition of cause

Noun

Federal authorities have subjected record numbers of immigrants to mandatory detention, including in inhuman and degrading conditions, while gutting internal oversight mechanisms.

— Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Also, the folding mechanism keeps the panels entirely free of snow and reduces the steep winter efficiency losses that typically plague conventional solar systems.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

Definition of mechanism

Noun

Part of the impetus was a recent initiative called the Outdoor Adventure and Alternative Sports Strategic Plan, which sought to identify how Denver could offer more recreation opportunities to residents.

— Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 17 July 2026
The impetus for baseball to seize control of in-market games was accelerated by the demise of the Main Street Sports RSNs, which marooned nine MLB clubs.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 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