multiple
1 antonyms and opposites of multiple, grouped by meaning.
Adj — More than one; several.
Antonyms
How to use multiple
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French multiple, from Late Latin multiplus.
Full origin of multiple →Frequently asked questions
What does “multiple” mean?
The word “multiple” means more than one; several. In plain terms, involving more than one of something, or (in maths) a number produced by multiplying.
How do you pronounce “multiple”?
“Multiple” is pronounced MUHL-tih-puhl (/ˈmʌltɪpəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “multiple” in a sentence?
Here is “multiple” used in a sentence: “She was treated for multiple injuries after the crash.”
What is another word for “multiple”?
Words with a similar meaning to “multiple” include manifold, many, morefold, several and plural.
What is the opposite of “multiple”?
The opposite of “multiple” — its antonyms — is paucal.
What part of speech is “multiple”?
Depending on how it is used, “multiple” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “multiple” come from?
The word “multiple” comes from Late Latin. From French multiple, from Late Latin multiplus.
Is “multiple” a common word?
“Multiple” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between multiple and several?
'Multiple' simply means more than one — two or more, with no upper sense. 'Several' means more than two or three but not many, an indefinite middle amount. So 'multiple attempts' could be just two, while 'several attempts' suggests a handful. Multiple stresses plurality; several hints at a moderate number.
How many is 'multiple'?
Strictly, multiple means any number greater than one, so two already qualifies. In everyday use, though, people often reach for it when they mean a fair few, not merely two. The word states only that more than one is involved, without fixing exactly how many.
What is the opposite of multiple?
The opposite is single — just one of something. Words like 'sole,' 'individual,' 'lone,' and 'solitary' also stand against it, each stressing oneness. Where 'multiple' points to two or more, these point to a single instance standing on its own, with nothing else alongside it.
Can 'multiple' be a noun?
Yes. In mathematics, a multiple is a number you get by multiplying one number by a whole number — 12 is a multiple of 3. The word also appears as a noun in finance and film ('a multiple of earnings'). As an adjective, though, it just means more than one.