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proliferation

noun

1
as in increase
something added (as by growth) a large proliferation in the number of electrical appliances was placing enormous demands upon the region's power supply

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accumulation
the act or process of becoming greater in number the proliferation of mistakes as both actors and crew became more and more tired

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 proliferation Congress took up the measure this week in the waning legislative days before November’s midterm elections, and as outrage over the proliferation of artificial intelligence data centers have grown nationwide. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026 The agreement has raised concerns around the proliferation of technologies that could support a Saudi effort to weaponize nuclear energy, security experts and members of Congress have said. — Chris Boccia, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026 Sunlight alone will not solve the problem of nuclear proliferation. — Scott W. Stern, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 Maryland’s Grant echoed this warning, saying that proliferation of such plans could lead to even higher premiums in the ACA markets, if those who remain are older or sicker than those who leave. — Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026 Maryland's Grant echoed this warning, saying that proliferation of such plans could lead to even higher premiums in the ACA markets, if those who remain are older or sicker than those who leave. — Julie Appleby, CBS News, 15 Sep. 2026 With the growth of fantasy football and proliferation of player prop betting, the energy has intensified on every single play. — Doug Kezirian, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The proliferation of satellite imagery is changing the way militaries fight. — Elaine McCusker, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026 With its prices and proliferation of streaming requirements, the NFL is giving them ample reason to consider it. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proliferation
  1. increase
  2. accumulation
  3. addition
  4. accumulating
  5. boost
  6. gain
  7. rise
Noun
  • Stock Chart IconStock chart icon The hike brought the policy rate to its highest level since 1995, and came just three months after its previous increase.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Syria will provide subsidized diesel fuel for heating and agriculture after sharp price increases sparked widespread protests this week.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of increase
Noun
  • The creator-dynamics research explicitly models this relationship between platform exposure and follower accumulation, which gives platforms an unusual position in influencer marketing.
    — Sergi Cerrato, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The power of these shows didn’t come from constant intensity but from duration, repetition, and consequences that compounded across seasons, allowing meaning to emerge gradually through accumulation.
    — Henry Metz, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of accumulation
Noun
  • The mews, at the back of the three-acre property, is a modernist addition with 21 guestrooms, some with private terrace gardens that have just been planted.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • His Murphy is a complete 180 from that wild-eyed take on the abolitionist John Brown, not to mention a fine addition to the canon of good men who find themselves in bad company and have to navigate, pivot, and play along accordingly.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of addition
Noun
  • While snow totals remain uncertain, this storm is forecast to bring colder air and has a better chance of bringing more widespread and meaningful accumulating snow, particularly in the mountains and higher elevations.
    — Alex Lehnert, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Definition of accumulating
Noun
  • Consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of the US economy, has trended lower in recent months as the boost from bigger tax returns faded and higher energy costs took a bite out of people’s paychecks.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Wadewitz added that the freight carrier may get an additional boost from its planned transcontinental merger.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of boost
Noun
  • Wake Forest nearly overcame a holding penalty that set up third and 24 when Lopez completed a pass to Hernandez, who weaved and broke his way through the defense for a 21-yard gain.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Yet after this rapid expansion, any potential slowdown in AI demand growth, or efficiency gains that reduce data center power requirements, could introduce significant instability into power grid operations.
    — , CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of gain
Noun
  • Welcome To The Future of Commerce The rise of AI shopping assistants is a celebration of better matchmaking between brands and consumers.
    — Narendra Lakshmana Gowda, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • This particular Cipriani, with its neo-Renaissance-style ceilings and grand, opulent interior, was the venue for Alexander Wang’s fall 2013 show, where a then-on-the-rise A$AP Rocky sat front-row.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of rise

Browse Nearby Words

proliferating
proliferation
proliferations
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Cite this Entry

“Proliferation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proliferation. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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