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

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

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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 Many organizations have invested heavily in AI to accelerate content creation, for example, yet campaign timelines continue to lengthen because the underlying operating model remains unchanged. — Jamie Garverick, Fortune, 15 July 2026 Still, Allen notes that working to extend your healthspan will likely lengthen your lifespan as well. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026 In some areas, however, demand for testing has lengthened the turnaround time to two to three days, doctors said. — Erika Edwards, NBC news, 10 July 2026 Its sleek, leg-lengthening silhouette provides a clean, polished look for professional settings while still being versatile enough for casual wear. — Alexandra Pereira, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for lengthen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthen

Verb

Jac Caglianone extended his hitting streak to nine games with an RBI double in the third inning and Isaac Collins recorded an RBI single in the fourth.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2026
In recent days, though, broadcasters have predicted the spectacle will cause the regular half-time break to be extended, much to the annoyance of soccer purists.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Definition of extend

Verb

While Taco Bell or other restaurant chains may take a temporary sales hit as headlines about the outbreak swirl, particularly in the states most affected by it, analysts said any dips in revenue or stock prices likely will not be prolonged.

— Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 17 July 2026
During the Iran-Iraq War of 1980–88, which Khomeini prolonged for several years after repelling the Iraqi invasion, a disproportionate burden fell on Iranians in the southwestern and western provinces.

— Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Definition of prolong

Verb

Enrollment in private schools in Miami-Dade County — religious and non-religious — has increased from about 70,000 to 92,000 the past two decades, according to reporting by the Miami Herald.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Demolishing folding tables has become so popular — and worrisome — at Bills games that retail prices of tables in Western New York have been known to increase during football season.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026

Definition of increase

Verb

On the ensuing possession, Sneed knocked down his fifth 3 of the game from the right wing to bring his scoring total to 27 points and stretch Purple Reign’s lead back to 10.

— Christian Marshall, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Building a free-flowing, attack-minded squad was the priority, but Keegan’s appeal stretched beyond the dressing room.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of stretch

Verb

The quintessential everyday bottoms have a leg-elongating bootcut silhouette and midrise waistband that’s seriously flattering.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 21 July 2026
Most ladybug larvae have elongated bodies, often orange and black, adorned with spikes like tiny alligators.

— Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

Definition of elongate

Browse Nearby Words

length

lengthen

lengthened

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“Lengthen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthen. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of lengthen

verb

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