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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 Feel free to multiply the quantity of ingredients as needed or bulk up and make a large batch. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 May 2025 The cultural relevance of games means that these opportunities are multiplying. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025 Still, this very much appears to be a connected group with staying power, in a place where any sense of momentum can suddenly multiply. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 15 May 2025 If it’s not easily replicated, expansion could dilute rather than multiply your results. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • Zinnias are annual flowers—their life goal is to reproduce.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
  • However, if there are errors in the data or methods of the original study, being able to reproduce its results may only ensure consistency but not scientific rigor.
    H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Speaking to journalists in March, Mark Bullingham, who replaced Glenn as CEO in 2019, explained how the FA had used the pre-grown pitches and increased major-event cap to grow Wembley’s revenues.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • Whether that caution slows adoption or increases security maturity remains to be seen, but the message is unambiguous: the era of unchecked AI optimism in federal cybersecurity is over.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • This could further exacerbate the challenges facing first-time homebuyers in the state, who are struggling to get on the property ladder due to historically high mortgage rates, rising prices, and growing housing costs.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Keeler isn’t the first Notre Dame graduate to rise in the Navy ranks.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Asking a co-worker a question over lunch or during informal discussions after a meeting can help propagate knowledge.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • These ideas propagate because the internet provides bad actors with a platform to distribute them.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Stablecoins are often treated as satellites of U.S. monetary policy—dollar proxies that expand liquidity and shore up Treasury demand.
    Jemma Green, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • Trump’s memo will go into the history books as a moment when presidential power expanded to put under his control a military force aimed at U.S. civilians.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • With attacks accelerating in pace and intensity, organizations cannot afford slow, laborious reporting structures.
    Travis Runty, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • This only accelerates degradation and forces the team into more (and sometimes earlier, as in Imola) pit stops.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Anthropic sees this as an example of how AI can augment human work, not replace it.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • The new clubhouse/pro shop is set to be approximately 10,000 square feet and feature a year-round restaurant augmented by a dining room, sports bar, event space, terrace and multi-sport simulators.
    Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Sinusitis, which means inflammation of the sinuses, can result in pain, tenderness or even swelling in or around different parts of your face and head such as your eyes, ears, cheeks, forehead, mouth, teeth, throat and head in general as well.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Untold pieces of protest art also were created in public spaces across the U.S. – from murals honoring Floyd, to calls for justice and support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which swelled in the wake of Floyd's death.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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