LENGTHEN Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'lengthen' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lengthen are extend , prolong , and protract . While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range. // extend a vacation // extend welfare services // lengthen a skirt // lengthen the workweek

Q: When might 'prolong' be a better fit than 'lengthen'?

While the synonyms prolong and lengthen are close in meaning, prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits. // prolonged illness

Q: How are the words 'protract' and 'prolong' related as synonyms of 'lengthen'?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness. // protracted litigation

lengthen

verb

ˈleŋ(k)-thən

Definition of lengthen

as in to extend

to make longer I had to lengthen the handle of the paint roller in order to reach the top of the wall

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb lengthen contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lengthen are extend, prolong, and protract. While all these words mean "to draw out or add to so as to increase in length," extend and lengthen imply a drawing out in space or time but extend may also imply increase in width, scope, area, or range.

extend a vacation

extend welfare services

lengthen a skirt

lengthen the workweek

When might prolong be a better fit than lengthen?

While the synonyms prolong and lengthen are close in meaning, prolong suggests chiefly increase in duration especially beyond usual limits.

prolonged illness

How are the words protract and prolong related as synonyms of lengthen?

Protract adds to prolong implications of needlessness, vexation, or indefiniteness.

protracted litigation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of lengthen Between 1990 and 2023, summers lengthened by roughly six days per decade. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Failing to report the legal fees can even lengthen the period the IRS can audit you, from three years to six years. — Robert W. Wood, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Having his middle-of-the-order production helps lengthen Miami’s lineup. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026 Bootcut jeans work wonders in the leg-lengthening department—and NYDJ’s Barbara style is no exception. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lengthen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthen

Verb

Junior Caminero has already done some things no Rays players had ever accomplished, such as extending his sizzling power show on Friday to include hitting 10 home runs over a 10-game span.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
With runners on second and third, in a 1-2 count, Pages extended to the outside edge of the plate to get around a slider and send it through the left side of the infield.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

El Niño is expected to prolong an existing unrelated marine heat wave that would otherwise typically start fading between October and December, scientists say.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Make sure to deadhead spent blooms in order to prolong their flowering, and cut them back in late fall or early spring.

— Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026

Definition of prolong

Verb

The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
The news came a day before Liz reported on Hong Kong’s beleaguered cinema market finally having an upturn, with overall box office revenues increasing by 25% thanks to a strong line-up of local and Hollywood releases.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

Autumn is when the crowds thin and your dollar stretches further.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Dozens of people sat in lawn chairs in front of the big screen, cheering as the Bosnia and Herzegovina national anthem played, while others stood in a long line that stretched out of the front door to buy cakes, pastries and pitas.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Definition of stretch

Verb

This Amazon style has a similar polished pointed-toe design that not only dresses up your outfit but also elongates your legs.

— Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Her sculpted exterior combines deep contours and broad convex forms with the yard’s signature elongated bow, resulting in a distinctive yet familiar silhouette.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 June 2026

Definition of elongate

Browse Nearby Words

length

lengthen

lengthened

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“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthen. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of lengthen

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