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

Be sure your chin is parallel with the floor and your neck is lengthening up the entire time. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2025

Such enhancements can significantly lengthen potential prison terms. —Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025

In the poll, 68% say that the period that buildings should perform work and inspections should be shortened and the length of time between inspections lengthened. —Bradley Tusk, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025

Haiti’s government spent more than $3.8 million to prepare for Petro’s visit, which included lengthening the small airport’s runway to accommodate Petro’s military aircraft, cleaning the streets and turning the electricity back on for the first time in three years. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025