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 Emails multiplying like rabbits. Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025 Manual processes – Tasks such as filtering reports or preparing audit cases could take up to 40 minutes each, multiplied by thousands of cases. Judith Magyar, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 Bone Cancer Bone cancer develops when abnormal cells multiply and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor in the bone. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 11 Sep. 2025 Musk's share of Tesla has gone up thanks to generous pay packages, and the value of his SpaceX holding has multiplied in the past decade. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • This is the company’s guiding philosophy and aims to reproduce audio just as the artist intended with lifelike realism, emotional depth and spatial precision.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This Imperial Beach restaurant plans to reproduce its business at Terminal 1.
    Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Start with once daily, and if your skin can handle it, gradually increase to two or three times per week.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • When a La Niña phase occurs, less wind shear occurs in the regions of the Atlantic basin where tropical weather develops, increasing the potential for more storms, AccuWeather said.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Colorado River and the two reservoirs have been suffering because of a multidecade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Stellarium Venus Begins To Fade September sees Venus rise closer to sunrise.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To develop a whole-virus vaccine, researchers must first spend months isolating and propagating the virus.
    Deborah Fuller, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Errors should propagate with clear context and actionable logging.
    Gopikrishnan Anilkumar, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Unrivaled Experiences Growth Spurt Unrivaled will expand ahead of its second season with the addition of two new clubs and a development player pool, the league announced Wednesday.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The panel issued over 100 recommendations, from limiting cash bail for misdemeanors to expanding racial equity training for prosecutors.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Department of War created a new task force in August to accelerate counter-drone development.
    Joseph Nepomuceno, The Washington Examiner, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The nanophotonic device could accelerate advances in communications, precision measurement, and even environmental monitoring.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Leaders must pair intelligence with intention, ensuring AI augments humanity, not replaces it.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The Little Market is meant to augment the larger restaurant.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That swell at Mavericks, a half mile off the coast of Half Moon Bay, hit two days before Christmas, on the same day and amid the same storm that destroyed the Santa Cruz Wharf.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • As guests swelled outside the dining room, Chow and Osbourne led the lively room in a toast to New York and invitation to continue on to the comedy show.
    Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 13 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 17 Sep. 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!