proliferation

A large or rapid increase in the number of something.

• The proliferation of cafes surprised us.
• Cheap phones caused a proliferation of mobile services.
• Residents worry about the proliferation of holiday rentals.

How to use it: proliferation of something (The proliferation of apps makes choosing one difficult.)

Similar words: growth, multiplication, spread

Opposites: decline

Common phrases: rapid proliferation, proliferation of something

The spread of powerful weapons to more countries or groups.

• The treaty aims to limit nuclear proliferation.
• Officials discussed weapons proliferation at the summit.
• New inspections could help prevent further proliferation.

Common phrases: nuclear proliferation, weapons proliferation

The production of more living things or cells of the same kind.

• Warm conditions encourage bacterial proliferation.
• The drug slows the proliferation of cancer cells.
• Researchers measured cell proliferation in the damaged tissue.

Similar words: reproduction, multiplication

Common phrases: cell proliferation, bacterial proliferation

A large amount or collection of something that has gradually built up.

• A proliferation of debris blocked the channel.
• They removed the dense proliferation of material around the opening.
• Years of neglect left a proliferation of clutter in the attic.

Similar words: buildup, accumulation

Common phrases: dense proliferation, proliferation of something