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

This lengthens your body, opens your chest, and lets your arms fall into a more natural position. —Christine Buzan, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025

Charlotte Tilbury only just launched at Amazon, but this best-selling liquid highlighter is already marked down, as is this Lancôme mascara that defines, volumizes, and lengthens lashes in one fell swoop. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025

His telomeres, protective caps on chromosomes, lengthened in space, only to shorten rapidly upon return. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025

The Airwrap Diffuse now features a wide-tooth comb, a new diffuser, and a round volumizing brush for good measure — here to lengthen your curls, reduce their overall frizz, and boost your mane’s fullness, respectively. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025