MULTIPLY Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

multiply

verb

ˈməl-tə-ˌplī

Definition of multiply

as in to reproduce

to bring forth offspring rabbits multiply with proverbial rapidity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number the booming economy multiplied the wealth of investors

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to rise

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number with each attempt the problems multiplied

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The glycemic load is calculated by multiplying a food's glycemic index by the grams of carbohydrates in the serving size, and then dividing by 100. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026 The bacteria can multiply rapidly, leading to septic shock and blistering skin lesions. — Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 1 July 2026 According to Sanchez, these technologies multiply the Sheriff Office’s law enforcement capability in the county’s unincorporated areas, allowing deputies to respond to incidents more quickly. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 1 July 2026 These dramas have multiplied on China’s internet, with 33,000 released in 2025. — Lavender Au, The Dial, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for multiply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply

Verb

The interest is less in reproducing historical jewelry — no one is asking clients to dress like Julius Caesar — than in giving contemporary pieces the patina, uniqueness and narrative of objects that appear to have lived another life.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 16 July 2026
Finding egg cases or droppings resembling pepper or coffee grounds usually means that the population is reproducing.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Definition of reproduce

Verb

The legislation reflects the complexity of the crisis, combining a total of 47 proposals aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing costs and expanding access to affordable homes.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
On average, Google says this new data should increase your backup size by 40 MB.

— Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Officials said the warning systems built since last year’s catastrophic floods were activated in Kerr County in the early hours before water levels began to rise, allowing for people to react quickly to flooding threats.

— Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
On linear television, the series is up +62% among adults 18-49, +26% among adults 25-54 and +30% in total viewers, with P2+ viewing across VOD platforms rising +44% within seven days of airing.

— Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

Here’s how to propagate a blueberry bush for even more juicy berries, according to the experts.

— Heather Bien, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
The free and open internet faces threats from companies propagating walled gardens designed to control your data and the rise of black-box AI systems.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 July 2026

Definition of propagate

Verb

The legislation reflects the complexity of the crisis, combining a total of 47 proposals aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing costs and expanding access to affordable homes.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Air Force partnership expands The award extends Asylon’s collaboration with the Air Force beyond autonomous security operations, an area where its robotic platforms already support active missions.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

China’s mastery of rocket reuse would significantly expand the country’s launch capacity, accelerating its ability to close the gap.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
If the industry can prove that agent payments are bounded by clear permissions, easy audit trails, reliable dispute resolution, and obvious liability frameworks, adoption could accelerate quickly.

— Christer Holloman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of accelerate

Verb

As the market continues to swell, and the clinical category starts to get a little crowded, Neutrogena knows the race to be the first to new ingredients is essential in maintaining its heritage as a leading brand.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
His eyes had bags under them, and his face was swollen from training for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

— Max Marshall, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026

Definition of swell

Browse Nearby Words

multiplies

multiply

multiplying

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“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of multiply

verb

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