Synonyms of lengthen

lengthen

verb

ˈleŋ(k)-thən 

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

• extend
• prolong
• increase
• stretch
• elongate
• protract
• expand
• drag (out)
• draw out
• enlarge
• outstretch
• amplify
• attenuate
• thin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shorten
• cut
• reduce
• curtail
• decrease
• cut back
• diminish
• lessen
• abridge
• abbreviate
• thicken

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

Recent Examples of lengthen

Their trade for Jesús Luzardo raises the ceiling of their back-end starters, lengthening the rotation even before top prospect Andrew Painter is called up to the majors. —Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025

My complexion was pore-less, my lashes were lengthened, but my brows looked meh. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025

The conditions included that the applicant and city should pursue a traffic signal at the El Camino Real access point as a first option and if that was not possible, to lengthen the deceleration lane. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025

The government has reportedly spent more than $3.8 million on the visit, including lengthening the short runway so that the city’s small airport can accommodate Petro’s Wednesday morning arrival, and future airplanes with 40-seats. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025