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
As a catalyst for the upgrade, analyst R. Scott Siefers said the stock was at an attractive entry point after its recent decline.
—
Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
One catalyst of the Valley’s success, as the scholar AnnaLee Saxenian has famously argued, was a freewheeling, risk-taking culture that encouraged workers to leave companies for competitors or to start their own firms.
—James Surowiecki, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
That unit development was a catalyst behind the Lions’ increase in wins from three to nine to 12 to 15 last year, which was tied for the most in the league.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2025
Her supper clubs were a catalyst to turn strangers into friends and meaningful connections all while featuring Black professionals such as chefs, musicians, artists, and creators.
—Benjamin Liong Setiawan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for catalyst
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst
Noun
-
Most taxpayers eligible for economic impact payments, known as stimulus checks, have already received them.—
-
This tool could change how NC police test for DWIs April 4, 2025 3:38 PM Read Next North Carolina Could NC residents get a $5,000 DOGE stimulus check in 2025?—
Noun
-
The urgent warnings advised residents to avoid burning anything outdoors, as a combination of high winds, low humidity and an abundance of dry fuels could lead to explosive wildfire growth.—
-
Relief efforts are further hampered by power outages, fuel shortages and spotty communications.—
Noun
-
Such tools could save people time and energy in everyday tasks while aiding with fields like medical research.—
-
Customers can use the store locator tool to confirm hours for their local restaurant.—
Noun
-
After the Mavericks split their first two games of the trip, beating the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 29 and falling to the Detroit Pistons two nights later, Harrison recommended pulling the trigger.—
-
So, for instance, there are triggers for Outlook, Sharepoint and Dataverse.—
Noun
-
The official cause of death for Miller Gardner has been revealed following a two-week investigation.—
-
The identity of the body has not been officially confirmed, and the cause of death is yet to be determined, police said.—
Noun
-
German lawmakers moved quickly to establish a funding mechanism for a huge increase in German defense spending; now Sweden is following suit.—
-
The only modifications: noting that the approximately $9 tourist levy introduced in February 2024 is in fact mandatory, and upping enforcement mechanisms for broader compliance with the rules.—
Noun
-
Use this as an impetus to dig deep into your brand’s strategy, to diversify it, to reinforce any weak points—to be bold, get creative and innovate.—
-
Pray that this can be an impetus for his conversion.—
Noun
-
Alvarez’s patented heroics would’ve been welcomed, but advancing Paredes to second base or putting the ball in play would’ve sufficed — anything to ignite a spark while facing Giants ace Logan Webb.—
-
Avoid open flames and sparks, don't park vehicles on dry grass and discard of cigarettes carefully, the weather service in Albuquerque warned Saturday, adding that winds will be at their strongest Saturday and again on Tuesday.—
Cite this Entry
“Catalyst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catalyst. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share