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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The labels can change, pages can multiply and functions can be reassigned at will. New Atlas, 18 July 2026 The beauty group integrated Gaultier fragrances into its brand portfolio in 2016, and since then multiplied its sales by five times. Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 17 July 2026 And the policy systems that catch up first will be the ones that multiply them. Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Inside many of Miami’s multiplying condos, civil wars are raging between residents who live there and absentee owners who buy units for investment income. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • The FishHouse structures have larger openings for popular species in Lake Norman — bass, crappies and catfish — to reproduce, said Drew Keeley, who led the project for Natrx.
    Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
  • She was commissioned by the BBC to reproduce the Crown Jewels in the plushy fabric in 2016 for the Queen’s 90th birthday, and her work has been featured in over 400 store windows globally, including Hermes flagship store on Rodeo Drive.
    Lilyanna D'Amato, ARTnews.com, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Enrollment in private schools in Miami-Dade County — religious and non-religious — has increased from about 70,000 to 92,000 the past two decades, according to reporting by the Miami Herald.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
  • Demolishing folding tables has become so popular — and worrisome — at Bills games that retail prices of tables in Western New York have been known to increase during football season.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • That could be a bad sign for Everton Blair, the former Gwinnett County School Board chairman who needs a strong turnout from his home county in order to rise to the top of the five-person contest.
    Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 24 July 2026
  • The number of victims is expected to keep rising as people desperately dig through the rubble, with little help from authorities.
    Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • While the opening minutes were shaky for both teams, probably due to nerves, La Roja quickly established itself and – like a virus that begins propagating in a new host – slowly grew into the match.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Over time, that standard propagated across the broader platform.
    Vishal Saxena, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Abarca also wants to expand affordable housing options in Jackson County, invest in law enforcement and support local businesses.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
  • Protesters blame Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and demand his resignation, but the demonstrations have since expanded into a wider anger over government accountability, spreading to other cities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Population growth in and around the city accelerated in the 2010s and surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    William Cogswell, Time, 24 July 2026
  • The partners are exploring how Video-Action Models can reduce engineering effort, accelerate robot deployment, and expand automation across manufacturing and logistics operations.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • The two panels will be installed on Orion's exterior, and will augment the spacecraft's existing communications systems.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 21 July 2026
  • Technology that augments humans spreads prosperity, but technology built to imitate and substitute for them concentrates it.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • It was forecast to gradually strengthen and the hurricane center said that ocean swells generated by Fausto were spreading along the Baja California coast and likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip tides.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • In the following days, Beretti’s right knee swelled severely, according to her health department complaint.
    Ella Moore July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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