Definition of lengthennext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 Shorten decision cycles but lengthen reflection before major bets. Sarah Davanzo, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026 Interest rates on the rise, loan terms lengthen Many borrowers are also facing higher interest rates when buying a car. Annie Nova, CNBC, 6 May 2026 Slow, deep breaths that lengthen the exhale send a signal of safety to the nervous system. Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026 Her fangs protrude, her nails lengthen. Literary Hub, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for lengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthen
Verb
  • Eveningside’s smaller arms holding on to the chains while Morningside’s longer arms propelled them, her fists and excess joints braced against the ground; their span lengthening, extending and retracting in the girls’ to and fro.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • The Lambert, North Oconee and Lake Oconee Academy girls continued to extend their dominance in high school golf, while two other schools earned their first titles as the GHSA championships concluded Tuesday throughout the state.
    Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Kabuga, somewhere in his 90s — his age is disputed — and suffering from severe dementia, had been forced to remain in the United Nations detention facility in The Hague after he was found unfit to stand trial in 2023 as no country was willing to take him in, prolonging the case against him.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 May 2026
  • The extra screenings prolonged the processing and approval of visa appointments, heaping uncertainty onto employees’ travel and work plans.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • Salah’s comments followed a limp 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa on Friday that increased criticism of Slot and questions about his future in the job.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • In Los Angeles, for example, the city spent more than 50 million dollars in 2021 on policing homelessness, yet unsheltered homelessness still increased.
    Shianne LeClaire, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Holmgren is remarkably efficient, stretches the floor and finishes everything.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • But after leaping and stretching his torso over the top of the wall, the ball fell just out of his reach.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • The ideal bikini should feel supportive in all the right places with high-cut bottoms that elongate the legs while still offering enough coverage to feel secure and flattering.
    Mecca Pryor, Essence, 14 May 2026
  • The pointed toes elongate the legs, making this pair ideal for oversized barrel jeans or slacks.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthen. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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