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

Commutes had lengthened due to urban sprawl and more traffic congestion. —Rafaela Jinich, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026

That changed in the early 1970s, when Texans approved a constitutional amendment that lengthened the governor’s term from two years to four years, taking effect for the 1974 election cycle (governors elected in 1974 and after would serve four-year terms). —Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 3 Mar. 2026

The Ribcage Wide-Leg jeans have a high-rise waist that’s right on trend, along with a leg-lengthening inseam and non-stretch denim that breaks in beautifully. —Annie Blackman, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026

When housing costs outpace wages, employers struggle to recruit and retain talent, commutes lengthen, productivity declines and economic mobility narrows. —Jeffrey Ball, Oc Register, 2 Mar. 2026