as in stimulus
something that arouses action or activity
Her expulsion from the university proved to be a catalyst for needed change.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Sometimes a stand-out life event might also be the catalyst for financial trauma later in life—for instance, a move to a new home, a medical procedure that insurance didn’t cover, a natural disaster, or a difficult divorce that drains your life savings.
—
Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
The catalyst for the sell-off is the recent success of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has raised questions about the sector's future investment needs.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Photography acts as a catalyst for understanding and compassion, inspiring action and fostering meaningful connections.
—Photovogue, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2025
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill had no time for critics who used officiating as a catalyst for the team’s AFC Championship win or those who complained about the team making the Super Bowl for the third consecutive time.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for catalyst 
Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
The catalyst for the sell-off is the recent success of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup that has raised questions about the sector's future investment needs.
—Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Photography acts as a catalyst for understanding and compassion, inspiring action and fostering meaningful connections.
—Photovogue, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2025
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill had no time for critics who used officiating as a catalyst for the team’s AFC Championship win or those who complained about the team making the Super Bowl for the third consecutive time.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for catalyst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst
Noun
-
Perhaps most intriguingly, these principles are even being applied to the field of robotics, with researchers developing tiny mobile robots that can respond to environmental stimuli in ways inspired by natural mechanisms.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
6 Feb. 2025
-
As consumers returned to dining out, traveling and other services, many fast-food cashiers, front-desk clerks and hair stylists were leery of coming back to in-person jobs and living off generous government stimulus checks and other aid, Hershbein said.—
Paul Davidson,
USA TODAY,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Climate-skeptic Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is considering reducing or eliminating fuel efficiency standards for cars.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Photo : Invincible Boats Invincible 36 Catamaran This 36-foot power cat represents the latest in offshore fishing design, boasting a four-outboard configuration and 606-gallon fuel capacity.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool when building a resume.—
Bailey Schulz,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
-
The online platform has become a tool for those who buy movies.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
When Haliburton was making strides in his second year, coming off of then-career-highs in both points and assists in separate games, the Kings organization pulled the trigger.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
6 Feb. 2025
-
Medina messed around, pulled the trigger and found out that key fact.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The lawsuit was filed by Lisa Koerner against the Illinois Environmental Council, an advocacy group that lobbies for environmental causes.—
Talia Soglin,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Golden State Warriors Acquiring Jimmy Butler in Blockbuster Trade with Miami Heat Four-time All-Star power forward/center Draymond Green, who's played with plenty of superstars while winning four titles in Golden State, appreciates what Butler can contribute to the cause.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Some economists caution that Trump’s language about America’s trade gap presents an unfair representation of what has become a crucial mechanism for the US economy — its ability to purchase services offered by other countries as well as stuff that isn’t made here much, like coffee.—
David Goldman,
CNN,
7 Feb. 2025
-
In many cases, destructive behavior could be a coping mechanism for the stress of being left alone.—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Before leaving for Tokyo, Jacobs spoke with WWD about his return to Japan and the impetus behind doing an exclusive partnership in Japan with Isetan.—
Lisa Lockwood,
WWD,
14 Feb. 2025
-
The big impetus behind Pakistan was to present a more complete picture of Pakistani cuisine.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The initial spark of attraction triggers the brain to release dopamine, activating the reward system.—
Jennifer Borresen,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
-
The new series found their characters back at Bayside High, Jessie working as the school’s counselor and Slater teaching P.E., with the lingering spark of their teen romance causing tension.—
John Russell,
People.com,
13 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near catalyst
Cite this Entry
“Catalyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catalyst. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share