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

The patient survived more than a year, and s survival time lengthened even further when doctors discovered that an immunosuppressant worked better if given along with the steroid prednisone. —Nadia Kounang, CNN Money, 17 May 2025

Some might lengthen the tenure required before a sabbatical can be taken, while some might institute other criteria, such as finding and training a replacement before the time off can be approved. —Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 16 May 2025

The wait seemed endless, especially given all the compensatory picks that lengthened the seventh round. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 20 May 2025

And this oversized cut and loose silhouette suits Princess Kate particularly well; the high-waist fit visually lengthens her legs, while the angular cut of the blazer is confident and structured. —Lina-Marie Baatz, Glamour, 14 May 2025