as in fuels
something that arouses action or activity
Her expulsion from the university proved to be a catalyst for needed change.
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Recent Examples of catalysts
Luti’s grandfather studied chemistry under Giulio Natta, a Nobel Prize winner in chemistry who developed catalysts enabling the industrial production of plastics, and determined that these plastics could be used in furniture.
—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
30 June 2026
Some catalysts spark sharp one-day rallies, while others unfold over weeks or even months as investors reassess a company's long-term prospects.
—
Sasirekha Subramanian,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
The investment bank said stocks like Williams-Sonoma can go higher and have myriad of positive catalysts ahead.
—
Michael Bloom,
CNBC,
27 June 2026
During this time, our ideas serve as catalysts while conversations become turning points.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
The panel will explore how brands see entertainment and key cultural moments as important catalysts for fan engagement.
—
William Earl,
Variety,
18 June 2026
This is a massive victory for refineries, as sulfur frequently degrades downstream equipment and catalysts.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson were catalysts for the Rams’ zone-blocking schemes in the run game and also held a firm pocket for Stafford to operate in without having to scramble last season.
—
Nate Atkins,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
Lila’s agents recently identified catalysts for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen that outperform the precious metals the industry currently relies on.
—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
10 June 2026
David Moin,
Footwear News,
30 June 2026
Some catalysts spark sharp one-day rallies, while others unfold over weeks or even months as investors reassess a company's long-term prospects.
—
Sasirekha Subramanian,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2026
The investment bank said stocks like Williams-Sonoma can go higher and have myriad of positive catalysts ahead.
—
Michael Bloom,
CNBC,
27 June 2026
During this time, our ideas serve as catalysts while conversations become turning points.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
The panel will explore how brands see entertainment and key cultural moments as important catalysts for fan engagement.
—
William Earl,
Variety,
18 June 2026
This is a massive victory for refineries, as sulfur frequently degrades downstream equipment and catalysts.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson were catalysts for the Rams’ zone-blocking schemes in the run game and also held a firm pocket for Stafford to operate in without having to scramble last season.
—
Nate Atkins,
New York Times,
15 June 2026
Lila’s agents recently identified catalysts for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen that outperform the precious metals the industry currently relies on.
—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalysts
Noun
-
The smoke from the burning vehicles contained hazardous materials commonly found in automobiles, including fuels, oils and interior components, Nunez said, although steady winds helped disperse the smoke.
-
Asked about the greenwashing criticism, a Council spokesperson said companies active in the fossil fuel sector can still contribute to the transition, for example by developing low-carbon fuels or building electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Noun
-
Mendoza said that the search had been exceedingly difficult without the right tools.
-
The Drug Enforcement Administration does have those tools, and sometimes works with Brennan's office to investigate cases.
Noun
-
The net takeaway is that Warsh wants to keep markets guessing, allowing its own pricing mechanisms to react to data and handicap scenarios.
-
What is needed now are mechanisms that assure that agents are working within the right context, at the right time, with the right guardrails – especially when less-technical business users are involved.
Noun
-
Walz also is calling for the Legislature to re-pass a ban on binary triggers, modifications for semiautomatic rifles that fire a shot when the trigger is pulled and again while released, greatly boosting the weapon’s rate of fire.
Noun
-
The data points to the following leading causes of death in the 1900s.
-
On the money front, divorce is among the leading causes of bankruptcy, Wells-Gibson previously told USA TODAY.
Noun
-
Unlike the federal tax credits that expired in September, these incentives offer an instant discount and don’t require buyers to apply for credit later.
-
The attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Noun
-
This is not Copenhagen, which has wide boulevards where vehicles and bikes can be easily separated.
-
But these unprotected vehicles can run at automobile speeds, posing a risk of injury that’s greater than for those pedaling nonpowered, slower two-wheelers.
Noun
-
Both Kurtz and Langeliers cited workload and the need for rest during the long Major League Baseball season as reasons for their lack of interest.
-
Many areas have been exempted for a variety of reasons, including lots in hillside fire zones and lots in Historic Protection Overlay Zones.
Cite this Entry
“Catalysts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catalysts. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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