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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 Players can multiply non-jackpot wins up to 10 times when the jackpot is $150 million or less. Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 29 Oct. 2025 When paired with autonomy, the advantages multiply — operating costs fall sharply, especially for smaller vessels where crew expenses make up a significant share of the budget. Big Think, 28 Oct. 2025 Bellettini was previously Kering’s deputy CEO in charge of brand development and is best known for her long tenure leading Saint Laurent, multiplying the size of that business nearly sixfold. Miles Socha, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 As satellite constellations multiply, those fiery returns will become more frequent and the total ozone impact is likely greater than current estimates suggest. New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • In an exchange reproduced on screen, a fan asked Stause about her rift with Hernan.
    Judy Berman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The nonstick surface that develops over years of use is invaluable, and not easy to reproduce.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Wild news in the Financial Times this morning, which reports that China has substantially increased energy subsidies for some of its largest data centers in a bid to bolster its position in the global AI race.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Rising prices for cars, parts and repairs needed, and medical bills have increased, driving up the price of insurance.
    NPR, NPR, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The number of foreign residents has risen sharply in recent years, reaching a record 3 percent of the population in 2024, as Tokyo cautiously loosened visa rules for workers in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and caregiving.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In that appearance, Thilly moonwalked across the floor and performed a backspin before using his allotted five minutes to complain about rising taxes, according to CBS News New York.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Sympodial orchids must be propagated by dividing them, not pruning or trimming them.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025
  • To propagate directly in soil instead, place the cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining soil so the node is buried.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to WeRide and Pony AI, Baidu is also expanding its robotaxi offerings through its Apollo Go vehicles.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • That includes a new and robust collaboration with Brazil’s federal government and 22 of its states—including Pará—to expand cooperation on climate action.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The open-source project has been used by millions of scientists in more than 190 countries, accelerating research into diseases previously considered intractable.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Southern China’s tropical to subtropical climate – with heavy rainfall, heat, and humidity – accelerates chemical weathering, while the region’s long history of tectonic and magmatic activity adds further erosion.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Created in partnership with the bionic footwear and apparel brand Dephy, the next-gen design is engineered to augment natural lower-leg and ankle movement, providing extra power for everyday exercise.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Queen Camilla augmented her monochrome attire with sheer black tights and a pair of Eliot Zed black suede pumps with a leather toe cap.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • She was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery, during which doctors removed part of her skull to relieve swelling.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Venezuela’s armed forces comprise roughly 109,000 active personnel, but the total number swells when paramilitary and reserve units are included.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

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