elongate

verb

elon·gate | \ i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgāt ,

(ˌ)ē- , ˈē-ˌlȯŋ- \

elongated; elongating

Definition of elongate

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to extend the length of

intransitive verb

: to grow in length

elongate

adjective

\ i-ˈlȯŋ-ˌgā-təd ,

(ˌ)ē- , ˈē-ˌlȯŋ- \

variants: or elongated

Definition of elongate (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : stretched out

2 : slender

Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about elongate

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Synonyms & Antonyms for elongate

Synonyms: Verb

drag (out), draw out, extend, lengthen, outstretch, prolong, protract, stretch

Synonyms: Adjective

extended, king-size (or king-sized), lengthy, long

Antonyms: Verb

abbreviate, abridge, curtail, cut, cut back, shorten

Antonyms: Adjective

brief, curt, short, shortish

Examples of elongate in a Sentence

Verb

These stretching exercises can help elongate your leg muscles. New medical procedures have elongated the careers of many athletes.

Adjective

the giraffe's elongate neck is thought to be the result of natural selection

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The simple white tee and fluid ankle-grazing trousers had an effortless, elongating effect, while coordinated Alexander McQueen sneakers fashionably grounded the look. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Gwyneth Paltrow’s Army Jacket Also Has a Message," 27 June 2018 The piece was simultaneously fluid and body-skimming, thanks to a waist-defining panel and elongating asymmetric hem. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Sarah Jessica Parker Has a Carrie Bradshaw Moment in the City," 13 June 2018 Keep your hips forward-facing and spine elongated throughout this entire exercise. — Philly.com, "A beginner's guide to starting a yoga practice," 10 July 2018 Beckham chose a feminine pajama blouse that featured exposed contrast buttons for a neat design detail. Flared and pleated trousers elongated her legs, while her stylish kids circled around her in a mashup of graphic ensembles grounded by sneakers. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Victoria Beckham Celebrates Her 44th Birthday With the Entire Beckham Clan," 17 Apr. 2018 For those of you looking for the same sky-high length that the temporary procedure provides — without having to fork over half a month's rent — there are elongating mascaras that offer a similar effect. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "The 13 Best Lengthening Mascaras for Short Lashes," 7 June 2018 The slow-moving saga over the future of Glendale Unified’s high school math curriculum was elongated another two weeks following a 5-0 vote by school board members Monday. — Andrew J. Campa, latimes.com, "Glendale Unified’s mathematics gridlock continues," 7 June 2018 To accentuate and define your jaw, elongate your body and neck by imagining you’re being pulled up by a string attached to the top of your head. — New York Times, "How to Pose for a Photograph," 30 May 2018 Media attention often declines as movements mature, protest cycles elongate and newer movements get more attention. 3. — Washington Post, "These are the four largest protests since Trump was inaugurated," 31 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elongate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.