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 The cells then multiply in a succession of increasingly large fermentation vessels in a process analogous to brewing beer. —

Chris Norris, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 Illinois has the most local governments in the nation, multiplying the chances for corruption Illinois’ arcane ballot rules turn politics into a blood sport where only the most powerful and savvy survive Chicago police bet big on pricey surveillance cameras. —

Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024 Lies and propaganda about presidential candidates' stances, voting system security and the integrity of American democracy are multiplying ahead of Election Day. —

Sam Sabin, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 As machine identities continue to multiply, ensuring that IT and security teams have full visibility into the wide range of devices and applications in use throughout the organization will only become more critical. —

Mark McClain, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for multiply

Recent Examples of Synonyms for multiply

Verb

Another key inflection point for the movement was government officials' attempt to encourage women to reproduce — South Korea has one of the lowest birthrates in the world.

Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 9 Nov. 2024
Sadly, due to a condition with her uterus, Elizabeth Ann is unable to reproduce.

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024