ply vs cater

ply is a noun but cater is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
ply	Yes	No	Yes	No
cater	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, ply and cater are synonyms defined as:

ply and cater: give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance

Other synonyms of ply include provide, supply.

As verbs, cater is a hyponym of ply; that is, cater is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than ply:

ply (noun)	cater (noun)
(usually in combinations) one of several layers of cloth or paper or wood as in plywood
one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination

ply (verb)	cater (verb)
give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance	give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
use diligently	supply food ready to eat; for parties and banquets
wield vigorously
join together as by twisting, weaving, or molding
travel a route regularly
apply oneself diligently