1
as in to reproduce
to bring forth offspring rabbits multiply with proverbial rapidity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb multiply contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of multiply are augment, enlarge, and increase. While all these words mean "to make or become greater," multiply implies increase in number by natural generation or by indefinite repetition of a process.

with each attempt the problems multiplied

When is it sensible to use augment instead of multiply?

The meanings of augment and multiply largely overlap; however, augment implies addition to what is already well grown or well developed.

the inheritance augmented his fortune

When would enlarge be a good substitute for multiply?

The synonyms enlarge and multiply are sometimes interchangeable, but enlarge implies expansion or extension that makes greater in size or capacity.

enlarged the kitchen

When could increase be used to replace multiply?

The words increase and multiply can be used in similar contexts, but increase used intransitively implies progressive growth in size, amount, or intensity; used transitively it may imply simple not necessarily progressive addition.

his waistline increased with age
increased her landholdings

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 multiply Feel free to multiply the quantity of ingredients as needed or bulk up and make a large batch. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 May 2025 The cultural relevance of games means that these opportunities are multiplying. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025 Still, this very much appears to be a connected group with staying power, in a place where any sense of momentum can suddenly multiply. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 15 May 2025 If it’s not easily replicated, expansion could dilute rather than multiply your results. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • Set in the dystopian society of Gilead, The Handmaid’s Tale follows June (aka Offred) as she’s forced to reproduce with a high-ranking commander, all while secretly plotting to overthrow the totalitarian government and reunite with the daughter who was taken from her.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Per court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the band alleged that the use of the 1994 was unauthorized, along with the company reproducing an advertisement that was very similar to the 2002 music video directed by Spike Jonze.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • These stressors seem to be taking a toll; measurements show anxiety and sleep deprivation among adolescents are rising, and even teen suicide attempts are increasing.
    Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 26 May 2025
  • In the past 12 months alone, revenue increased 8.1% from $372 billion to $400 billion.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Insurance premiums have risen 24% on average in recent years, according to the Consumer Federation of America.
    Michael Copley, NPR, 23 May 2025
  • This surge reflects growing investor confidence in NuScale’s distinctive position within the nuclear energy industry, propelled by rising electricity demand amid the AI boom and the swift progression of global electrification.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • This success has set the stage for the next crisis, primarily because, like Gros Michel, Cavendish bananas are also clones propagated whole from a narrow genetic base.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
  • Furthermore, the axial compression in the columns is likely to result in shear cracks that are more closely aligned with the column axis, allowing the cracks to intercept some transverse reinforcement before propagating through the section.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025
Verb
  • The terminal was expanded in 2023. 2012: Paul Konerko hit a tie-breaking three-run home run — his 400th with the Chicago White Sox — in a 12-6 win over the Cleveland Indians.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • Dowling’s donation comes as Northwell, New York’s largest health care provider, is actively lobbying the city government on a plan to expand its Lenox Hill Hospital complex on the Upper East Side, filings show.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Businesses ready to explore how crypto payments can accelerate growth are invited to connect directly through the Vantack platform.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Airport development is accelerating, with King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh undergoing significant expansion and the new King Salman International Airport under construction with a capacity to handle 120 million passengers annually.
    Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Sperling initially designs his work in black and white, later adding color to augment his vision.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • That motor augments the rider's pedaling power up to a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph), automatically triggered by a torque sensor on the bike's crankset.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Sinusitis, which means inflammation of the sinuses, can result in pain, tenderness or even swelling in or around different parts of your face and head such as your eyes, ears, cheeks, forehead, mouth, teeth, throat and head in general as well.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Untold pieces of protest art also were created in public spaces across the U.S. – from murals honoring Floyd, to calls for justice and support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which swelled in the wake of Floyd's death.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 26 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on multiply

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!