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

Telescopes show Venus's crescent lengthening and thinning throughout the month, but observers at mid-northern latitudes will find Venus's image to be blurred by turbulence low in the sky. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Farther still, as the road straightens and lengthens, the view is of open space. — Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026

Stein attributed the drop to a lengthening backlog for accounts receivable as Nvidia has loosened payment terms for its many backstopping deals. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Hearing numerous appeals can lengthen the extradition process — lasting for years, rather than months, according to Brazil. — Bill Chappell, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026