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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 Feel free to multiply the quantity of ingredients as needed or bulk up and make a large batch. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 12 May 2025 The cultural relevance of games means that these opportunities are multiplying. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025 Still, this very much appears to be a connected group with staying power, in a place where any sense of momentum can suddenly multiply. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 15 May 2025 If it’s not easily replicated, expansion could dilute rather than multiply your results. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for multiply
Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply
Verb
  • Zinnias are annual flowers—their life goal is to reproduce.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
  • However, if there are errors in the data or methods of the original study, being able to reproduce its results may only ensure consistency but not scientific rigor.
    H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Whether that caution slows adoption or increases security maturity remains to be seen, but the message is unambiguous: the era of unchecked AI optimism in federal cybersecurity is over.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Mahan won his first term as mayor in 2022 with 51.3% of the vote after residents pushed to move the mayoral election to align with the presidential one to increase voter turnout.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Interestingly, this percentage rises to 64% when examining data from the last 3 years instead of 5.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • This could further exacerbate the challenges facing first-time homebuyers in the state, who are struggling to get on the property ladder due to historically high mortgage rates, rising prices, and growing housing costs.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Asking a co-worker a question over lunch or during informal discussions after a meeting can help propagate knowledge.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • These ideas propagate because the internet provides bad actors with a platform to distribute them.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • The move also expands its compost footprint in the Southeast.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2025
  • The terminal was expanded in 2023. 2012: Paul Konerko hit a tie-breaking three-run home run — his 400th with the Chicago White Sox — in a 12-6 win over the Cleveland Indians.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • With attacks accelerating in pace and intensity, organizations cannot afford slow, laborious reporting structures.
    Travis Runty, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Prior roles at Roku, Amazon, and Google reflect a consistent track record of driving platform growth, accelerating advertiser adoption, and shaping go-to-market strategies across streaming, e-commerce, and digital advertising.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Sperling initially designs his work in black and white, later adding color to augment his vision.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • That motor augments the rider's pedaling power up to a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph), automatically triggered by a torque sensor on the bike's crankset.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Sinusitis, which means inflammation of the sinuses, can result in pain, tenderness or even swelling in or around different parts of your face and head such as your eyes, ears, cheeks, forehead, mouth, teeth, throat and head in general as well.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Untold pieces of protest art also were created in public spaces across the U.S. – from murals honoring Floyd, to calls for justice and support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which swelled in the wake of Floyd's death.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Multiply.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/multiply. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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