catalyzed; catalyzing
Synonyms of catalyze

transitive verb

1
: to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)
an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of the sugars
2
: bring about, inspire
… his vigorous efforts to catalyze us into activity …—Harrison Brown
3
: to alter significantly by or as if by catalysis
… innovations in basic chemical theory that have catalyzed the field …—Newsweek
catalyzer noun

Examples of catalyze in a Sentence

a reinstitution of the draft would catalyze protests around the country
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Unlike in Williamsburg and Soho, where artists’-loft conversions catalyzed subsequent real-estate booms, Gowanus artists mostly live in the surrounding neighborhoods rather than in Gowanus itself. — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026 After his father’s death, French philosopher Eribon’s trip to his hometown catalyzes a profound meditation on the socioeconomic tensions and disillusionment felt by many young French people. — Mary Lawrence Ware, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026 The regional liquidity gap is helping to catalyze the development of dedicated secondary funds designed to provide earlier liquidity and help shorten longer exit horizons. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 Taymor’s production catalyzes the storytelling, and the dynamic inventiveness of the mise-en-scène is on kinetic display at the Pantages, where a top-notch design team works in perfect coordination. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catalyze

Word History

Etymology

see catalysis

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catalyze was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catalyze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catalyze. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

catalyzed; catalyzing
: to bring about or produce by chemical catalysis

Medical Definition

catalyze

transitive verb
cat·​a·​lyze
catalyzed or British catalysed; catalyzing or British catalysing
: to bring about the catalysis of (a chemical reaction)
catalyzer noun
or British catalyser
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