proliferation

noun

1
as in increase
something added (as by growth) a large proliferation in the number of electrical appliances was placing enormous demands upon the region's power supply

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accumulation
the act or process of becoming greater in number the proliferation of mistakes as both actors and crew became more and more tired

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 proliferation Sure, the proliferation of plastic with lounge benefits drove more visitors to the airport lounges. — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026 The proliferation of casinos across America, however, has sent the town on a long decline. — Christopher Intagliata, NPR, 3 July 2026 America has witnessed a proliferation of voting rights groups with sound justification and demonstrable results, but there comes a point when there may be too much of a good thing. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026 The proliferation of facial recognition at events reflects a broader global trend normalizing biometric surveillance as these systems expand across cities. — Anne Toomey McKenna, The Conversation, 30 June 2026 Its proliferation in waterways that serve State Water Project facilities, such as the Delta, is of particular concern, Ransom said. — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026 The proliferation of data centers has become a hot-button political issue nationwide, increasingly serving as a proxy for Americans’ overall fears about AI systems. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 29 June 2026 Krishnamurthy points to the proliferation of baseball hats by luxury designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Tom Ford in the years surrounding Jay-Z’s rise to superstardom as proof. — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026 Written by Jeff Koyen, Edited by Mallory Gafas Since the start of generative AI’s enterprise proliferation, it has been largely regarded by executives and employees alike as a productive assistant more than an engaged collaborator. — Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proliferation
  1. increase
  2. accumulation
  3. addition
  4. accumulating
  5. boost
  6. gain
  7. rise
Noun
  • Hispanics or Latinos were the target of the biggest increase in racially or ethnically motivated hate crimes, according to the report.
    — Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • However, the report noted that much of this rise was due to an increase in the number of billionaires, not just three-comma club members getting richer.
    — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of increase
Noun
  • Ocean heat content — a measure of heat stored through the upper layers of the ocean — has reached record highs in recent years, reflecting a long-term accumulation of heat across the global ocean.
    — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Ultimately, managing one's emotions is paramount for true wealth accumulation.
    — ByGabriel Shahin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of accumulation
Noun
  • Wade is the first free-agent addition to the Sixers since Mike Gansey replaced Daryl Morey as the team's new president of basketball operations.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Its newest addition—part of hotelier Ian Schrager’s Edition chain—is a decidedly more subdued affair, and that’s by design.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
Definition of addition
Noun
  • While snow totals remain uncertain, this storm is forecast to bring colder air and has a better chance of bringing more widespread and meaningful accumulating snow, particularly in the mountains and higher elevations.
    — Alex Lehnert, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026
Definition of accumulating
Noun
  • Local business owners welcomed the boost in business as Dodgers fans filled restaurants, hotels and entertainment districts throughout Sacramento and West Sacramento.
    — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • But while the sportswear giant remains the category leader by revenue, and the company is enjoying a FIFA World Cup boost for its soccer jersey sales, the momentum has shifted decisively away from Beaverton, Oregon.
    — Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of boost
Noun
  • Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank, said AI is a source of productivity and gains.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • Saturated fats can also cause weight gain, affect metabolic health and increase the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and other health issues, according to the National Library of Medicine.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of gain
Noun
  • Decades of Hollywood empire-building ended with a quake in 2017 when Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch decided to sell much of his Fox entertainment holdings amid the rise of Netflix and other tech giants.
    — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • But with the rise of generative AI, some breweries around the world are starting to be vocal about their displeasure of its use in the beer industry.
    — Em Sauter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of rise

Browse Nearby Words

proliferating
proliferation
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Cite this Entry

“Proliferation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proliferation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of proliferation for Spanish Speakers

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