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 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 See All Example Sentences for lengthen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthen
Verb
  • The Iranian regime spent decades building the Axis of Resistance, a coalition of anti-Western militias that extended Tehran’s influence deep into the Arab world.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • There’s no shortage of electrified cargo bikes on the market these days, but one trend that is definitely on the rise is the addition of a second (or even third) battery to extend the range of these quiet, clean urban haulers.
    William Roberson, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The current de facto Moroccan sovereignty only prolongs Sahrawis’ exile, and an escalation would carry steep costs for all sides.
    Hannah Rae Armstrong, Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Measles cases have risen in recent years, with 285 US cases reported last year, the most since 2019 when prolonged outbreaks among under vaccinated communities in New York threatened elimination status, according to the CDC.
    Nadia Kounang, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Accordingly, with no viable domestic production alternative, prices for end-users would increase.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • China is facilitating this by strengthening cooperation with Russia on research and commercial activities, as well as by increasing China's national icebreaker capacity.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The waistband is made from an elastic that stretches to move with you.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025
  • But first and foremost, Fonda is a longtime political activist, stretching from her work speaking out against the Vietnam War to her fight for women's rights, civil rights, and climate change awareness.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Plus, the high-rise, slim fit, and seam down the legs make for a flattering and elongating appearance.
    Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Hailey stepped out in a monochromatic ensemble consisting of a black sweater with a center seam and a pair of wide-leg trousers elongated with pointed-toe black boots.
    Marissa Muller, WWD, 1 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthen. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

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