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 next

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 As climate change lengthens the shipping season, Greenland occupies an important strategic location. —

John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 Here are some tips for buying and storing the vegetables used in the following recipes, suggestions to help lengthen their freshness: Bell Peppers: Select those with glossy, smooth skin without soft spots or wrinkles. —

Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 1 Jan. 2025 The second, to lengthen the silhouette to the maximum even with garments designed to combat the cold. —

Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 29 Dec. 2024 An eyelash lift is a treatment that lengthens and lifts the curvature of the lashes. —

Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lengthen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthen

Verb

Attempts to make up for this by extending the cooking time may lead to overcooked or dried-out food.

— Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025
The urban core, Howard explained, extends from Independence Avenue down to 63rd Street, and from Interstate 435 to Troost Avenue.

— Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2025