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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

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 administrative class has multiplied so fast that some universities have more administrators than professors. Adrian Wooldridge, Twin Cities, 6 May 2025 The fee is calculated by multiplying the loan amount by 0.7%. Adam Friedman, ProPublica, 5 May 2025 This topped the previous March record of 12 million metric tons and is only expected to multiply as the peak months of June and July close in. Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 May 2025 As Pan-Africanism attempted to capture the world’s attention—stratifying and multiplying across the space and decades of modernism—new media, with its possibility for amplification and electronic transmission, proved essential. Delinda Collier, Artforum, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • As natural landscapes are converted to agriculture or taken over by urban sprawl, logging operations and oil and gas exploration, ecosystems become fragmented and the space that species need to survive and reproduce disappears.
    Karrigan Börk, The Conversation, 13 May 2025
  • This material is not to be reproduced or redistributed absent the written consent of Fairlead Strategies.
    Katie Stockton, CNBC, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Autism rates increased, again: But RFK Jr. diverges from CDC report about the reason.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • According to a school district memo, lunch prices have not increased in 12 years.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • The claims already filed have exposed our state government to more than $3 billion in unfunded liabilities and the number is expected to rise as new cases are filed.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2025
  • As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there's no better time to refresh your home for summer with finds from Amazon.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • The farm also has an indoor research and development nursery where the team is propagating Torrwood’s own proprietary genetics.
    Colette Coleman, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Musk chose to propagate these falsehoods on his influential social media platform, X, which had already become notorious among Democrats and others of the political center and left for amplifying disinformation from right-wing extremists.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This year, that influence expanded into the cultural mainstream with her debut on Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • On a year-on-year basis, however, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%, the largest expansion since the first quarter of 2023 and a stronger showing compared to the 1.3% growth seen in the fourth quarter.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Currently, a shift in technology and user behavior might accelerate the conclusion of the agreement.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Witnesses told police the SUV appeared to accelerate directly at the family.
    Bethany Brown, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Automate Administrative Tasks Generative AI can help augment your human capital efforts by taking over routine tasks.
    Heather Peters, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • This is the first of a new type of rideshare program flying to that orbit that augments SpaceX’s Transporter program that flies to SSO.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • December 2012 Intense pain, swelling, and overwhelming fatigue worsen.
    Health, Health, 20 May 2025
  • The wheat fields practically glow golden-yellow, the citizens work and mingle while wearing gorgeous and colorful clothes, and the music swells and soothes with ancient vibes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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