Multiply — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb adverb /ˈməl-tə-ˌplī/ (verb) /ˈməl-tə-plē/ (adverb) mul·ti·ply

Meaning & Definition of Multiply

Multiply (verb)

  1. to increase in number especially greatly or in multiples, augment
  2. to find the product of by multiplication
  3. to use as a multiplicand in multiplication with another number

Multiply (adverb)

  1. in a multiple manner, in several ways

Multiply (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to bring forth offspring

    "rabbits multiply with proverbial rapidity"

    similar: breed, procreate, propagate, reproduce
    related: bear, beget, engender, gender, generate, get, have, mother, parent, produce, sire, hatch, spawn

  2. to make greater in size, amount, or number

    "the booming economy multiplied the wealth of investors"

    similar: accelerate, add (to), aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, build up, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, hype, increase, pump up, raise, stoke, supersize, swell, up
    related: boom, jump, skyrocket, spike, bump (up), ratchet (up), blow up, dilate, distend, inflate, draw out, elongate, flesh (out), lengthen, prolong, protract, stretch, develop, enhance, heighten, intensify, magnify, complement, supplement, beef (up), reinforce, strengthen, maximize, accumulate, amass, collect, follow up, parlay
    opposite: abate, decrease, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, lessen, lower, minify, reduce, subtract (from)
    near: abbreviate, abridge, curtail, shorten, compress, condense, constrict, contract, cut back, retrench

  3. to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number

    "with each attempt the problems multiplied"

    similar: accelerate, accumulate, appreciate, balloon, boom, build up, burgeon, climb, enlarge, escalate, expand, gain, increase, mount, mushroom, proliferate, rise, roll up, snowball, spread, swell, wax
    related: jump, rocket, skyrocket, surge, heighten, intensify, redouble, blow up, bulk, distend, inflate, puff (up), crescendo, crest, peak
    opposite: contract, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen, recede, wane

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Multiply

The most common words with a similar meaning to Multiply:

breed, procreate, propagate, reproduce, accelerate, add (to), aggrandize, amplify, augment, boost, build up, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, hype, increase, pump up, raise, stoke, supersize, swell, up, accumulate, appreciate, balloon, boom, burgeon, climb, gain, mount, mushroom, proliferate, rise, roll up, snowball, spread, wax

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Multiply

Words with the opposite meaning of Multiply:

abate, decrease, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, lessen, lower, minify, reduce, subtract (from), contract, recede, wane

Related Words for Multiply

bear, beget, engender, gender, generate, get, have, mother, parent, produce, sire, hatch, spawn, jump, skyrocket, spike, bump (up), ratchet (up), blow up, dilate, distend, inflate, draw out, elongate, flesh (out), lengthen, prolong, protract, stretch, develop

Near Antonyms of Multiply

abbreviate, abridge, curtail, shorten, compress, condense, constrict, cut back, retrench

Word Forms of Multiply

Inflections: multiplied, multiplying

Origin & Etymology of Multiply

Middle English multiplien, from Anglo-French multiplier, from Latin multiplicare, from multiplic-, multiplex multiple

First known use: 13th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Multiply

Words & Phrases Containing Multiply

cross multiply

Frequently Asked Questions about Multiply

What does "Multiply" mean?

"Multiply" means to increase in number especially greatly or in multiples, augment. As an a verb and an adverb, it is defined as: to increase in number especially greatly or in multiples, augment. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Multiply"?

Other words for "Multiply" include breed, procreate, propagate, reproduce, accelerate, add (to), aggrandize and amplify. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Multiply" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Multiply"?

There are 91 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Multiply". Common alternatives include breed, procreate, propagate, reproduce, accelerate, add (to), aggrandize, amplify, augment and boost.

What is the opposite of "Multiply"?

Antonyms of "Multiply" include abate, decrease, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, lessen and lower. Near antonyms include abbreviate, abridge, curtail and shorten.

How do you use "Multiply" in a sentence?

Examples of "Multiply" in a sentence: "rabbits multiply with proverbial rapidity"; "the booming economy multiplied the wealth of investors"; "with each attempt the problems multiplied".

Is "Multiply" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Multiply" can be used as a verb and an adverb, depending on the context.

Is "Multiply" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Multiply" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Multiply"?

"Multiply" is pronounced /ˈməl-tə-ˌplī/ as a verb and /ˈməl-tə-plē/ as an adverb and divided into syllables as mul·ti·ply.