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 Right alongside those strength exercises, most barre classes incorporate stretches like bending over your legs to lengthen the hamstrings. —

Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 22 Jan. 2025 The vertical lines along your leg will work to lengthen you without having to put on a pair of sky-high heels. —

Olivia Marcus, StyleCaster, 21 Jan. 2025 The streaming giant joined a lengthening list of companies that have topped analysts’ profit expectations for the end of 2024. —

Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025 Trump had previously floated exercising a 90-day extension written into the law to lengthen the deadline for a sale and reportedly considered issuing an executive order. —

Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lengthen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthen

Verb

The tricky thing is, those particular chemicals aren’t always easy to parse from the preservatives used simply to extend shelf life or block the growth of microbes, Dr. Vadiveloo says.

— Erica Sloan, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
The federal courts have been critical of California's overreach that extends beyond state boundaries.

— Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025