many — English Dictionary

Determiner

1. before a countable noun: A large, indefinite number of.

   Synonyms

   numerous

   Antonyms

   a couple ofa fewa handful ofseveralonenozero

   Broader terms

   multiplevarious

   Examples

   Not many such people enjoyed playing chess.

   There are very many different ways to cook a meal.

   More examples (4)

   We spent many hours and days training, but running clubs boast many hundreds of faster members.

   Thou shalt be a father of many nations.

   I did it in a moment of conceit and folly—one of my many such moments—one of my many such hours—years.

   Investors face a quandary. Cash offers a return of virtually zero in many developed countries; government-bond yields may have risen in recent weeks but they are still unattractive. Equities have suffered two big bear markets since 2000 and are wobbling again. It is hardly surprising that pension funds, insurers and endowments are searching for new sources of return.

2. before a countable noun: (in combinations such as 'as many', 'so many', 'this many') Used to indicate, demonstrate or compare the number of people or things.

   Examples

   We don't need this many bananas. Put some back.

   I've never seen these many stars in the sky.

   More examples (2)

   There may be as many as ten million species of insect.

   I don't have as many friends as my sister does.

Pronoun

1. A large, indefinite number of people or things.

   Related words

   how manymany aso many

   Examples

   Many are called, but few are chosen.

   Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us...

   More examples (2)

   By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.

   The big houses, and there are a good many of them, lie for the most part in what may be called by courtesy the valleys. You catch a glimpse of them sometimes at a little distance from the [railway] line, which seems to have shown some ingenuity in avoiding them,[…].

Noun

1. A multitude; a great aggregate; a mass of people; the generality; the common herd.

   Synonyms

   crowdmob

   Examples

   Democracy must balance the rights of the few against the will of the many.

2. A considerable number.

   Synonyms

   abundancebuttloaddeal

   Examples

   I know that my mother cried a many of times from decisions I made.

Adjective

1. Existing in large number; numerous.

   Synonyms

   multipleseveral

   Related words

   quantifier

   Examples

   I was among the many visitors to that town.

   Among my many faults is self-importance.

   More examples (1)

   Let’s take these fears about a rich, strong China to their logical extreme. The U.S. and Chinese governments are always disagreeing—about trade, foreign policy, the environment. Someday the disagreement could be severe. Taiwan, Tibet, North Korea, Iran—the possibilities are many, though Taiwan always heads the list.

Adjective

1. a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by ‘as’ or ‘too’ or ‘so’ or ‘that’; amounting to a large but indefinite number; quantifier, plural pronoun; quantifier, plural

   Antonyms

   few

   Examples

   many temptations

   the temptations are many

   More examples (6)

   a good many

   a great many

   many directions

   take as many apples as you like

   too many clouds to see

   never saw so many people