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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 Even with Palantir’s slide this week, the stock is up 135% in 2025 and has multiplied 25-fold in the past three years, an extended rally that’s lifted the company’s market cap to over $420 billion. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2025 But when the creature’s caretaking rules are broken, the Mogwai multiplies into an array of destructive green killer monsters. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025 Pay an additional $1 to add the Power Play for a chance to multiply all Powerball winnings except for the jackpot. Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Nov. 2025 While a single meal may seem inconsequential, if multiplied across millions of households these choices translate into meaningful water savings. Huma Tariq Malik, The Conversation, 4 Nov. 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
  • The impact of the government shutdown increased as the Senate repeatedly failed to advance legislation to end the funding lapse.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Last year, Reuters reported that the government was preparing to increase usage of crypto assets in its oil exports to overcome the US sanctions.
    Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • But Vanderbilt, as attention, pressure and fatigue rise on a pursuit no one outside its camp expected, is essentially two teams with two games left in the 2025 regular season.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Water levels of small streams may also rise rapidly.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Plants with tender vines are some of the easiest plants to propagate, and that’s certainly true of the sweet potato vine.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Start with a potted plant from the store or propagate a plant from a cutting.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 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 researchers emphasized that policy support is crucial for accelerating this transition and building a robust recycling system.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Business leaders say that such policies risk accelerating an exodus of companies, diminishing the city’s commercial tax base, and ultimately affecting services and jobs essential to millions of New Yorkers.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Japanese maple trees can also be planted in a container filled with a quality potting mix augmented with compost and sharp sand.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Intelligent machines augment intelligent humans, driving a geometric expansion of what humans can do.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • As the day wears on, the crowd swells to a formidable throng.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Per BrightOcular, potential complications include infections, high pressure in the eye, glaucoma, inflammation of the iris, swelling in the cornea, loss of cells around the cornea, deterioration of the iris and more.
    Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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