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

Other injuries can also lengthen the stay. —Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Sep. 2025

This is mainly a function of its lengthening and widening by three inches and one inch, respectively, over its predecessor. —Brett Berk, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2025

Fishers spokeswoman Ashley Elrod said the new design will be to simply lengthen the left-hand turn lanes in all four directions so drivers needing to turn won't be backed up in the left-hand through lanes. —John Tuohy, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025

Over the past 20 years, one single device has unequivocally lengthened the amount of time most people spend sitting. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2025