However, there are a few instances where "mushroom" might be used in a metaphorical way, implying a rapid growth or increase:
* "The company mushroomed after the successful launch of their new product." This implies that the company grew rapidly in size and importance.
* "The city's population mushroomed in the early 20th century." This suggests a rapid increase in population.
These uses are less common than the noun form, and might be considered informal.
If you're looking for a more formal verb to express rapid growth, consider alternatives like:
* "Expand"
* "Flourish"
* "Proliferate"
* "Increase exponentially"