Proliferating: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes something that is rapidly increasing or spreading, often used in the context of concerns about uncontrolled growth.

• Fake news is proliferating on social media platforms.
• The weeds in the garden are proliferating despite my efforts to control them.

Implies an increase in number, often used in mathematical contexts or when referring to reproduction.

• To solve the equation, multiply both sides by 3.
• Rabbits multiply quickly under the right conditions.

Indicates a rapid increase or spread similar to 'proliferating,' but can sometimes be used in more formal or scientific contexts.

• The use of smartphones has proliferated over the past decade.
• Bacteria can proliferate rapidly in warm, moist environments.

Refers to the action of becoming larger or more extensive in scope, size, or scale. Commonly used in business or personal development contexts.

• The company plans to expand its operations to Asia.
• Sarah decided to expand her skills by taking a course in coding.

Implies spreading or promoting something, often used in the context of ideas, information, or the reproduction of plants.

• The scientist aimed to propagate the rare plant species.
• Misinformation can easily propagate through online networks.

Used to describe the process of something becoming larger in area or range, often over a period of time. Can be applied to physical things, concepts, information, or diseases.

• The fire spread rapidly through the forest
• Rumors began to spread in the office

Commonly used in biological or agricultural contexts to describe the reproduction or spread of organisms. Also used in the context of spreading ideas or information.

• Farmers propagate plants through seeds and cuttings
• The scientist aimed to propagate his findings

Usually used in mathematical contexts or when describing an increase by repeated addition, often rapidly. Can sometimes have a biological connotation.

• Bacteria multiply quickly in warm environments
• The population of the city continued to multiply over the years

Use when talking about making something larger in size, quantity, or scope, often in a planned and controlled manner.

• The company plans to expand its operations globally
• She decided to expand her knowledge by taking up a new course