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

Examples 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 Periods may be skipped, and the time between them could lengthen by weeks or months, especially as women near menopause. —

Katia Hetter, CNN, 30 Oct. 2024 Shadows lengthened and slid up the walls like specters, and a chill descended on the temples. —

Monisha Rajesh, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024 Driving the news: Amtrak is lengthening its Pacific Surfliner trains to provide more seating, offering complimentary checked baggage service (except at Solana Beach) and reopening the Oceanside Transit Center Nov. 25 through Dec. 2. —

Kate Murphy, Axios, 25 Nov. 2024 With each inhale, lengthen your spine by drawing your head toward the front of the room. —

Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lengthen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthen

Verb

Even if the owner extends beyond his comfort zone to retain Bregman — which remains a legitimate possibility — Tucker exists in a totally different echelon.

Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024
The third initiative allows the Louisiana Legislature to extend a regular session in increments of two days up to a maximum of six days if necessary to pass a bill appropriating money.

Jacob Mathews | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Dec. 2024