PROLIFERATE Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

proliferate

verb

prə-ˈli-fə-ˌrāt

Definition of proliferate

as in to increase

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number rumors about the incident proliferated on the Internet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 proliferate Hundreds of proliferating nonprofits—focused on election integrity and democratic governance, and largely sharing the same mission and drawing from the same donors—are crowding an already bustling ecosystem of existing nonprofits, coalitions, and think tanks. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026 The school will launch as a one-room, 1,200-square-foot schoolhouse in Fort Greene, similar to the learning pods that proliferated during the COVID-19 pandemic. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 Satellite dishes proliferated on the rooftops of scam centers in Myanmar, satellite imagery showed, and Starlink usage in Myanmar surged, according to APNIC data. — ABC News, 30 June 2026 Similar calls and texts proliferated throughout Springfield’s Haitian community, triggering a tsunami of fear, panic and confusion, said Viles Dorsainvil, director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for proliferate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proliferate

Verb

The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
The news came a day before Liz reported on Hong Kong’s beleaguered cinema market finally having an upturn, with overall box office revenues increasing by 25% thanks to a strong line-up of local and Hollywood releases.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Roki Sasaki’s abysmal appearance faded away in the Dodgers’ 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night, but only after the National League West leaders rose from a catatonic first inning.

— Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
The rising death toll comes as criticism of the government’s response continues to intensify.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of rise

Verb

The government is also working with private developers, banks and the real estate sector to accelerate temporary and permanent housing solutions.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Years of crippling sanctions have paralysed the economy as accelerating bouts of mass nationwide protests have been put down by security forces with increasing force — culminating in the killing of thousands of demonstrators in January.

— Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of accelerate

Verb

The council would then examine the details surrounding the change before passing an ordinance expanding those voting rights.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Since then, the United States has expanded from 13 colonies along the Atlantic coast to 50 states stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and beyond.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of expand

Verb

This kind of abuse — and the swelling cost of cyberscams to victims around the world — has led to periodic crackdowns.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Short sessions may help with lower-extremity swelling in otherwise healthy people, and MD Anderson Cancer Center has pointed to low-intensity vibration as potentially useful for cancer patients maintaining bone and muscle health.

— Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

Definition of swell

Verb

The group’s mission to reunite people with their treasures and, in some cases, to offer a semblance of closure was also multiplied beyond the Facebook effort.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
For a decision-maker watching agent pilots multiply across departments, this is where cost, access and audit either get governed or get out of hand.

— Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of multiply

Browse Nearby Words

proletariat

proliferate

proliferated

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“Proliferate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proliferate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of proliferate

verb

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