proliferate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word proliferate is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something rapidly increases in number or quantity. For example: "The use of smart phones has proliferated in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If states contemplating a weapons programme believe that counter-proliferation can work, then they are less likely to proliferate themselves.There are some big objections to Global Zero's aspirations.

The Economist

Are the assumptions cheffy types proliferate about it being the route to superior taste also unfounded?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A recent report on Russia's "weaponisation of information" published by the Institute of Modern Russia, a New York-based think tank run by the son of former oligarch and Putin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, argued that the Kremlin is wielding outlets like Sputnik News to not just persuade, but also to "sow confusion via conspiracy theories and proliferate falsehoods".

The Guardian

My memories of episodes of inebriation and loss of control now proliferate.

The Guardian

Bear in mind that it was only in 1956 that Lenin's statues started to proliferate throughout the Soviet Union: until then, statues of Stalin were much more common.

The Guardian

Ice, frost, wind, snow: all these proliferate in Ted Hughes's poetry, but this near-perfect short story is where his inner vision of winter is at its most powerful.

The Guardian - Books

Heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer rates are rising, fuelled by unhealthy lifestyles; fast food restaurants proliferate in our cities; convenience or fear of busy roads stops us cycling or walking; and there is little green space for active leisure or children's play.

The Guardian

MUD did indeed proliferate.

The Guardian - Tech

Novel psychoactive substances, mainly stimulants and cannabinoids from China sold on the internet, proliferate too quickly for anyone to keep track of them (though websites such as Erowid.org make an impressive attempt).

The Economist

Then the slope rises ever more steeply as bacteria proliferate until it reaches an inflection point.

The Economist

In Myanmar, where Buddhist temples and monks proliferate, merit is attained through good deeds such as the release of caged birds and trapped fish.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proliferate" when you want to emphasize the rapid increase or spread of something, often in a somewhat uncontrolled manner. For example, "Misinformation can proliferate quickly on social media."

Common error

Avoid using "proliferate" when "propagate" is more appropriate. "Propagate" suggests a deliberate effort to spread something, while "proliferate" implies a more spontaneous or uncontrolled increase.

Linguistic Context

Proliferate functions primarily as an intransitive verb, indicating that something increases rapidly in number, quantity, or extent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a process of rapid growth or expansion. This is evident in examples such as "fast food restaurants proliferate in our cities".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proliferate" is a verb that describes the rapid increase or spread of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently used in contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communications. While synonyms like "increase rapidly" and "spread quickly" exist, "proliferate" carries a specific connotation of uncontrolled or widespread growth. Remembering its distinction from "propagate" and focusing on contexts where rapid increase is key ensures effective and accurate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase rapidly

Focuses on the speed of the increase rather than the spread.

spread quickly

Emphasizes the dissemination aspect over numerical growth.

expand exponentially

Highlights the dramatic rate of growth.

multiply swiftly

Underscores the numerical increase with a sense of urgency.

flourish abundantly

Adds a sense of thriving and richness to the growth.

burgeon rapidly

Implies a quick and vigorous expansion or budding.

escalate sharply

Conveys a steep and pronounced increase.

gain traction

Focuses on the increasing influence and acceptance.

take hold

Emphasizes the establishment and entrenchment of something.

gain ground

Indicates progressive advancement and expansion.

FAQs

How can I use "proliferate" in a sentence?

You can use "proliferate" to describe something that increases rapidly. For example, "Conspiracy theories tend to "proliferate" during times of uncertainty."

What are some synonyms for "proliferate"?

Alternatives to "proliferate" include "increase rapidly", "spread quickly", or "expand exponentially", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "proliferate" and "propagate"?

"Proliferate" suggests a spontaneous or uncontrolled increase, while "propagate" implies a deliberate effort to spread something. The terms are not interchangeable.

Is it correct to say something is "proliferating"?

Yes, "proliferating" is the present participle of "proliferate" and can be used to describe something that is currently increasing rapidly. For example, "New businesses are "proliferating" in the downtown area."