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

However, Variety reported in 1999 that when the Mission: Impossible II shoot's schedule lengthened and Scott sustained a shoulder injury, FOX (the studio behind X-Men) started looking to recast its main role. —Diana Pearl, People.com, 6 Aug. 2025

And he's now lengthened to 8/15 to see out his Presidency and serve a full second term, from 2/5. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

The researchers believe that this effect is already lengthening the days. —Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 22 July 2025

Bad hydrology is 'crushing' conservation measures As with other recent years, factors including warming air, parched soil and lengthening growing seasons have kept some of the melting snowpack from reaching the river or its reservoirs. —Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 15 Aug. 2025