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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

Examples of multiply in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Therefore, the episode was watched for an approximate total of 6.5 million hours, when multiplying views by runtime. Selome Hailu, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024 The fact that the person answering that question was Demi Moore multiplied the meta factor hundredfold. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2024 Those electrons pass through a microchannel plate which multiplies the electrons significantly before being directed at a phosphor screen. New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2024 Pay an additional $1 to add the Power Play for a chance to multiply all Powerball winnings except for the jackpot. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for multiply 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'multiply.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near multiply

Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on multiply

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