Synonyms of multiply

multiply

verb

ˈməl-tə-ˌplī 

1

as in to reproduce

to bring forth offspring

rabbits multiply with proverbial rapidity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reproduce
• propagate
• breed
• produce
• generate
• procreate
• spawn
• have
• beget
• parent
• engender
• mother
• hatch
• get
• sire
• bear
• gender

2

as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number

the booming economy multiplied the wealth of investors

Synonyms & Similar Words

• increase
• expand
• accelerate
• augment
• boost
• raise
• extend
• enhance
• amplify
• add (to)
• enlarge
• maximize
• intensify
• escalate
• swell
• reinforce
• strengthen
• compound
• build up
• aggrandize
• stoke
• pump up
• up
• supersize
• skyrocket
• lengthen
• inflate
• supplement
• develop
• jump
• hype
• heighten
• magnify
• prolong
• dilate
• elongate
• distend
• accumulate
• spike
• draw out
• complement
• bump (up)
• stretch
• flesh (out)
• boom
• ratchet (up)
• protract
• amass
• blow up
• collect
• beef (up)
• rachet (up)
• parlay
• follow up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reduce
• decrease
• diminish
• dwindle
• lessen
• subtract (from)
• downsize
• lower
• shorten
• abate
• curtail
• abbreviate
• abridge
• minify
• compress
• condense
• de-escalate
• constrict
• contract
• cut back
• retrench

3

as in to rise

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number

with each attempt the problems multiplied

Synonyms & Similar Words

• increase
• rise
• accelerate
• swell
• expand
• climb
• accumulate
• intensify
• proliferate
• spread
• escalate
• enlarge
• wax
• roll up
• gain
• mount
• appreciate
• build up
• boom
• jump
• burgeon
• snowball
• surge
• heighten
• skyrocket
• mushroom
• balloon
• redouble
• inflate
• rocket
• bulk
• peak
• puff (up)
• distend
• blow up
• crescendo
• crest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• decrease
• diminish
• lessen
• recede
• contract
• dwindle
• wane

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

Recent Examples of multiply

Paxlovid — a combination of the drugs nirmatrelvir and ritonavir — works by stopping the virus that causes Covid from multiplying. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026

New bars, which seem to multiply by the second, are no less invigorating. — Michael Snyder, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026

This range, which spans between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, is where bacteria can multiply quickly. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

Every leadership promotion effectively multiplies that person’s behavior across the organization. — Forbes Business Council, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026