Multiple vs. myriad: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Multiple usually implies several or many, without specifying a particular number, and is often used to indicate more than one instance. Myriad traditionally means an innumerable or extremely large number and is more emphatic, often suggesting an uncountable amount.
What they have in common
Both multiple and myriad refer to quantities or numbers greater than one.
Examples
multiple
- She gave multiple reasons for her decision.
- There are multiple solutions to this problem.
- He suffered from multiple injuries after the accident.
myriad
- The night sky was filled with a myriad of stars.
- There are a myriad of possibilities to consider.
- The project opened up a myriad of opportunities.
Which one is more common?
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