Definition of multiplynext
1
as in to reproduce
to bring forth offspring rabbits multiply with proverbial rapidity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3

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 golden mussel is tiny but mighty, multiplying fast and nearly impossible to get rid of. Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 16 June 2026 Content Partners was ahead of the curve in recognizing the demand for liquidity among content owners at a time when online distribution options for content libraries have multiplied. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 June 2026 And then there are certain moments, when a particular issue multiplies the power of certain allies. Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 15 June 2026 Pairing physical activity with practices like meditation, time in nature and conscious breathing can multiply the benefits. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • Once a specific constraint is imposed, the mathematical model reproduces the exact behavior of the original nonreciprocal flock.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 14 June 2026
  • This article originally appeared in Spektrum der Wissenschaft and was reproduced with permission.
    Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • Baird added that interest in luxury homes has increased recently among SpaceX's mid-30s to early-40s employee base, according to California real estate agents.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 13 June 2026
  • Be careful when riding back downtown on a bike, as the hill notoriously increases cycling speed.
    Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • At the same time, agriculture is one of the sectors most threatened by climate change, with rising temperatures set to devastate food crops around the world.
    Jasmin Sykes, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Ahead, experts share their go-to methods for propagating a lemon tree the right way.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 15 June 2026
  • Errors, once embedded in data and processing, can propagate rapidly across thousands of decisions and become very hard to discover and remove effectively.
    Troy Holaday, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Ulbrich envisions Walker expanding his leadership role on the defense as well with Elliss and defensive tackle David Onyemata no longer in the building.
    Josh Kendall, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The backstory What started as a private project, owned by former TAP Air pilot Gonçalo Pessoa and wife Patrícia Trigo, has expanded over the years to become arguably the most talked about resort in Portugal.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The left-hander had a loose body removed from his elbow in an innovative surgical procedure on May 6 that accelerated his return.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 June 2026
  • In 2026, many believed the war might accelerate regime change.
    Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Third, augment human capabilities with AI, connected architecture and long-term partnerships — with humans always in the lead.
    Harpreet Sidhu, Fortune, 13 June 2026
  • With Ethan Hawke's newbie simmering against the go-for-broke finesse of Denzel Washington's very bad, no-good officer, Training Day revels in tension, with washes of blue and green augmenting scenes where Hawke is bullied into getting high.
    Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • If emotions swell, step outside for a breath, then return with compassion for yourself and others.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026
  • Alerts in effect for parts of SoCal beaches Southerly swells, or waves, are expected to continue impacting coastal waters through at least Monday, June 15, according to the National Weather Service Los Angeles.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 15 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on multiply

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster