multiplicative

adjective

mul·​ti·​pli·​ca·​tive ˌməl-tə-ˈpli-kə-tiv How to pronounce multiplicative (audio) ˈməl-tə-plə-ˌkā-tiv How to pronounce multiplicative (audio)
1
: tending or having the power to multiply
2
: of, relating to, or associated with a mathematical operation of multiplication
the multiplicative property of 0 requires that a × 0 = 0 and 0 × a = 0
multiplicatively adverb

Examples of multiplicative in a Sentence

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There is nowhere to hide a weak gate in a multiplicative chain like this, which is why brands that fix each step systematically outperform brands that optimize case by case, every time. — Jason Barnard, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2026 The asymmetry matters because the financial cost of structural misalignment is multiplicative. — James Theuerkauf, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for multiplicative

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of multiplicative was in 1653

Phrases Containing multiplicative

Rhymes for multiplicative

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Browse Nearby Words

multiplication table
multiplicative
multiplicative identity
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Cite this Entry

“Multiplicative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiplicative. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

multiplicative

adjective
mul·​ti·​pli·​ca·​tive ˌməl-tə-ˈplik-ət-iv How to pronounce multiplicative (audio) ˈməl-tə-plə-ˌkāt- How to pronounce multiplicative (audio)
: of, relating to, or associated with a mathematical operation of multiplication
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