catalyst

[kat-l-ist] / ˈkæt l ɪst /

NOUN

something which incites activity

Synonyms

STRONGEST

impetus incentive motivation stimulant

STRONG

adjuvant agitator enzyme goad impulse incendiary incitation incitement reactant reactionary spur synergist

WEAK

radical stimulus spark plug wave maker

Antonyms

STRONGEST

block hindrance

WEAK

blockage preventer prevention

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For one, Materne thinks growing adoption of “usage-based” performance metrics is one potential catalyst.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Marl-Brock had been telling others and that was "the catalyst" for what happened later.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Friday’s non-farm payrolls report could be a critical catalyst for the currency, the Revacy Fund said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

More: Could Apple’s Gemini deal be the catalyst the stock needs?

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

He was rarely the catalyst for their activities, and he was proud.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner