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 next

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

Examples 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 Looking down on his realm — a city infested by corruption scandals multiplying like mold spores — Carollo embraced the applause. —

Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply non-jackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times. —

Tanya Wildt, Detroit Free Press, 1 Jan. 2025 There’s several different ways to crunch the numbers: The 10 times method One way to get a ballpark figure is to multiply your annual income by ten. —

Brian Sloan, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 This indirect strategy multiplied Iranian impact throughout the region while allowing Tehran to avoid or at least minimize direct retaliation. —

Richard Haass, Foreign Affairs, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for multiply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply

Verb

Over generations, the pair have become so intertwined that now the fungus can’t reproduce without its endosymbiont.

— Molly Herring, WIRED, 26 Jan. 2025
In light of these challenges, perhaps there's a way to reproduce the observed features of the universe without needing an inflaton.

— Paul Sutter, Space.com, 19 Jan. 2025