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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 As the leaves start to fall and pumpkin spice lattes multiply, there’s no better time to channel your inner Lorelai or Rory Gilmore through a fall wardrobe update. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025 Each of these creatures of light multiplied into subqueries and side queries, a glowing menagerie of exotic life-forms crisscrossing the void, their wakes and ripples gradually illuminating the entirety of the submarine cave. Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025 Left untreated, the mussels themselves would have devastated the ecosystem, and would have multiplied with each passing year, becoming more expensive and complicated to eradicate. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 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, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • Available in 9-karat and 18-karat yellow and white gold, the pendant and chevalier ring come with a cast kit to take the pet’s nose print, which is then reproduced on the jewels by the brand’s goldsmiths.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • For example, being able to reproduce data and always staying open to new interpretations.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Thus, even if a farmer primarily relied on corn for sustenance and/or trade, planting beans and squash alongside the maize increased the nutritive value of the same area.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The alliance should also increase its training with an eye toward degrading or destroying the Kaliningrad facilities should direct hostilities break out.
    James Stavridis, Twin Cities, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Today, Long Island remains a blend of suburban life, coastal culture, and historic estates while also facing challenges of rising seas and housing affordability.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Their risk of major depression rose by about 16%, while there was no significant association among men.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cuttings from the original hedges were used to propagate new greenery, which was replanted immediately following the Olympic games.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The former is a young plant company, which propagates seedlings and ships them off to be planted worldwide.
    Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • By platforming industry experts and passionate entrepreneurs, Ducard is helping Pinterest expand into new arenas.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Following its successful launch earlier this year, Virtuosa — the vintage-nodding, heirloom-like collection which introduced the precious and durable platinum among Atelier VM’s metals — is expanded to earrings and a couple of necklaces including a light point.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The partnership aims to accelerate the path to commercial fusion energy by using AI to simulate and improve control of the superhot plasma that will fuel the machine.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Still, many within the nuclear energy industry are hopeful that utilizing federal and public lands would accelerate the buildout of new reactors by reducing delays often encountered throughout the state and federal permitting process.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The dress included thin halter straps and a plunging, sweetheart neckline, with sheer fabric at the waist and skirt augmented by floral embroidery.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Avery’s model augments the traditional VC model.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lina Thomas, commodities strategist with Goldman Sachs Research, said in a video posted on Thursday the swelling price of gold is more than hype.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • When torrential rains hit a swath of Mexico last week, the Cazones River swelled so fast there was virtually no time to flee.
    Cristopher Rogel Blanquet, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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