Synonyms of catalyze

catalyze

verb

ˈka-tə-ˌlīz 

as in to create

to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)

a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

• create
• cause
• generate
• bring
• prompt
• produce
• do
• induce
• work
• spawn
• effectuate
• yield
• invoke
• make
• effect
• engender
• result (in)
• encourage
• bring about
• promote
• draw on
• translate (into)
• beget
• introduce
• initiate
• give rise to
• found
• bring forth
• bring on
• determine
• contribute (to)
• establish
• occasion
• breed
• foster
• begin
• develop
• inaugurate
• launch
• enact
• cultivate
• decide
• pioneer
• start
• render
• forward
• set up
• further
• nurture
• advance
• set
• innovate
• institute
• conduce (to)
• nourish
• turn out
• father

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impede
• restrict
• limit
• suppress
• quash
• stifle
• inhibit
• repress
• dampen
• quell
• restrain
• subdue
• smother
• curb
• crush
• control
• put down
• check
• retard
• arrest
• rein (in)
• can
• kill
• squelch
• destroy
• crack down (on)
• abolish
• quench
• squash
• extinguish
• clamp down (on)
• liquidate
• still
• demolish
• snuff (out)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of catalyze

Grounded in a mix of culinary styles and featuring homegrown flavors that define Southern cooking, this spot catalyzed a new interest in North Mississippi restaurants that’s still going strong over three decades later. —Chelsea Brasted, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

Over the years, The 78 has been in the running for everything from Amazon’s second headquarters to a Chicago casino, but time and again, Related was unable to land that elusive anchor tenant to catalyze the megadevelopment. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

Besieging someone only catalyzes those defense mechanisms. —Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 4 Mar. 2026

That quartet catalyzed the Wolverines to a 22-2 record and Continental League championship amid a difficult schedule that Rohnert believes has Chaparral primed for a deep playoff run. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026