lengthen
verb
length·en
ˈleŋ(k)-thən 
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening
ˈleŋ(k)th-niŋ,
ˈlen(t)th-;
ˈleŋ(k)-thə-
ˈlen(t)-
: to make longer
: to grow longer
Synonyms
Examples of lengthen in a Sentence
The days lengthened with the approach of spring.
Proper care will lengthen the life of the engine.
lengthen a pair of trousers
Recent Examples on the Web
Be sure your chin is parallel with the floor and your neck is lengthening up the entire time.
—
Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025
Such enhancements can significantly lengthen potential prison terms.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
In the poll, 68% say that the period that buildings should perform work and inspections should be shortened and the length of time between inspections lengthened.
—Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
Haiti’s government spent more than $3.8 million to prepare for Petro’s visit, which included lengthening the small airport’s runway to accommodate Petro’s military aircraft, cleaning the streets and turning the electricity back on for the first time in three years.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lengthen 
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Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025
Such enhancements can significantly lengthen potential prison terms.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
In the poll, 68% say that the period that buildings should perform work and inspections should be shortened and the length of time between inspections lengthened.
—Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
Haiti’s government spent more than $3.8 million to prepare for Petro’s visit, which included lengthening the small airport’s runway to accommodate Petro’s military aircraft, cleaning the streets and turning the electricity back on for the first time in three years.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for lengthen
Dictionary Entries Near lengthen
Cite this Entry
“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lengthen. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lengthen
verb
length·en
ˈleŋ(k)-thən
ˈlen(t)-
lengthened; lengthening
ˈleŋ(k)th-(ə-)niŋ
ˈlen(t)th-
: to make or become longer
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