CATALYST Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

catalyst

noun

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 rise can be attributed to a number of factors, with some research pointing to a drop-off in stimulus funds after COVID-19 as one of the catalysts. —

Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch did his best to shut down the buzz around the theory that an electrical substation near Levi’s Stadium could be the catalyst for the spate of injuries that team has suffered over the last few years. —

Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2026 Ackman’s tweet was the only obvious catalyst as Fannie Mae surged as much as 41% in Monday trading, while Freddie Mac climbed as much as 34%. —

Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 And those recruiting wins were catalysts for both Elite Eight runs. —

Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyst

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catalyst

Noun

But there are a number of reasons to file tax returns even when they’re not strictly required, including claiming tax credits, getting back income tax withheld from paychecks or retirement accounts, and getting access to any future government stimulus payments that might be offered.

— Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Unlike conventional systems that are often heavy and mechanically complex, this lightweight material responds to external stimuli such as heat.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Mar. 2026