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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 The struggles that residents are already facing are likely to multiply in the future, as the emergency seems bound to escalate. Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 In geologically hazardous areas, bills skyrocketed and delays multiplied. Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025 While a single autonomous trading algorithm malfunction in 2012 caused Knight Capital to lose $440 million in just 45 minutes, general purpose AI systems are likely to be deployed far more widely across sectors, multiplying the potential for costly accidents. Henry Papadatos, TIME, 10 Feb. 2025 Its eye embroidery referenced a symptom of the mysterious elixir Moore’s character takes in the film, which causes her pupils to multiply. Hannah Malach, WWD, 9 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • This was seen by more than one million people on X and was reproduced extensively on social media and legacy media outlets.
    Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Evans reproduces an illustration from an 1816 catalog of Sheffield iron products showing nine different hoes.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Easy solution: increase the toll to keep more cars out of Midtown.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Though Congress began its new session just a little over a month ago, its approval rating has increased among Americans, according to new data from Gallup.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The watch includes a spinning roulette wheel in a 44-mm rose gold case.
    Mikelle Street, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The shift may not only draw anger from Israel's emboldened far right but also aggravate divisions within Trump's own administration between an old conservative guard seeking a more assertive posture on Iran and the rising cadre of Trump loyalists who more closely share the president's vision.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to plant sales, the event features workshops and seminars on topics from Florida’s endemic carnivorous plants to bonsai care and propagating plants.
    Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Without proper oversight, automated tools may propagate errors or create integration challenges.
    Prajwalkumar Bhatkar, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The role has expanded into areas like physical security and global technology infrastructure.
    Aleksandr Yampolskiy, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Since then, the company has expanded to more than 20 locations across California, including a wholesale site.
    Marcus D. Smith, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • If an earlier breakthrough occurs: Should a major quantum attack capability emerge earlier than expected, the bitcoin community can accelerate the above timeline.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • This aligns with developments in China, where the government is easing regulatory pressures on its tech sector to revitalize the economy and accelerate its AI ambitions to rival America.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Retail: In China, robots are augmenting hotels and retail, disrupting customer and in-store digital experiences and enabling shopping on the go, increasing footfall and customer satisfaction.
    Sudhanshu Duggal, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The Navy, specifically, wants a hybrid fleet, with sailors and Marines augmented by smart machinery strapped with guns, jammers and sensors.
    Colin Demarest, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Cold exposure is particularly helpful for those who have irritable skin through the constriction of blood vessels, alleviating swelling and flushes.
    Lucy Notarantonio, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Tannins swelling the structure and acidity bathing the flavors.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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