as in extension
the act of making longer
a lengthening of the school year is favored by many of the parents in the school district
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in stretching
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lengthening
Gerard Hartmann, Outside, 3 Nov. 2025
The researchers also searched for molecular signs of a process called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), a telomere-extending mechanism that doesn’t rely on the usual enzyme, telomerase.
—New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025
Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Intuitive Machines believes this system will degrade more slowly, lengthening operational lifespans.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
That’s because plyometrics involve quick movements and concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) muscle contractions.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 24 Oct. 2025
Officials warn that attacks may also occur on remote islands, lengthening the response time of authorities in the event of an emergency.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Each year, the mining site crept farther south as deposits dwindled, lengthening her father’s commute.
—Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
If the commitment is too large, the two governments can look for workarounds, such as lengthening the period of performance, contributing to the investment fund project by project, or credit recent Korean investments.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Keep reading for all my travel-friendly petite fashion finds, including comfortable, leg-lengthening jeans and cozy sweatpants, starting at $20.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
The decorative buttons on the cuff add a polished touch, while the back slit on the pencil silhouette creates a flattering, leg-lengthening effect.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
Instead, gently encourage the lengthening of your muscles.
—Gerard Hartmann, Outside, 3 Nov. 2025
The researchers also searched for molecular signs of a process called alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), a telomere-extending mechanism that doesn’t rely on the usual enzyme, telomerase.
—New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
The soil is warming, days are lengthening, and new roots have months to establish before winter.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
Intuitive Machines believes this system will degrade more slowly, lengthening operational lifespans.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025
That’s because plyometrics involve quick movements and concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) muscle contractions.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 24 Oct. 2025
Officials warn that attacks may also occur on remote islands, lengthening the response time of authorities in the event of an emergency.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Each year, the mining site crept farther south as deposits dwindled, lengthening her father’s commute.
—Literary Hub, 10 Oct. 2025
If the commitment is too large, the two governments can look for workarounds, such as lengthening the period of performance, contributing to the investment fund project by project, or credit recent Korean investments.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Keep reading for all my travel-friendly petite fashion finds, including comfortable, leg-lengthening jeans and cozy sweatpants, starting at $20.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
The decorative buttons on the cuff add a polished touch, while the back slit on the pencil silhouette creates a flattering, leg-lengthening effect.
—Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthening
Noun
-
Darbin Wofford, deputy director of health care for the centrist Democratic group Third Way, said even if there’s an agreement that reopens the government without a subsidy extension, Republicans already own the consequences.—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The Clippers rewarded the 36-year-old point guard with a two-year, $81 million contract extension.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Guests mingled and dined at long, stretching tables lined with plum calla lilies and small golden lamps.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
2 Nov. 2025
-
Zelenskyy said attacks were reported in the capital Kyiv and at least nine other Ukrainian regions, stretching from frontline areas in the southeast of the country to the border with Poland in the west.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The deadline for extending the qualifying offer is Thursday.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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But the measure stalled in the Senate, where Democrats have demanded provisions extending Affordable Care Act insurance plan subsidies that will expire at the end of the year, causing premiums in ACA plans to soar.—
Jessie Opoien,
jsonline.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Many are pulling six-day work weeks with mandatory overtime, and increasing numbers have begun calling out as the financial strain and exhaustion mount.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
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The military is striking the boats at the same time the administration is applying increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.—
NPR,
NPR,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Those wins may cause Democrats to dig their heels in even more, potentially prolonging the shutdown.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Trump criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and congressional Democrats for prolonging the impasse.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The curved leg and tapered ankle create a subtle elongating effect, giving the illusion of longer legs while still feeling easy and comfortable to move in.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Oct. 2025
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Genshuo Slingback Chunky Heels As evidenced by Kidman, a pair of pointed-toe heels are the ultimate tool for elongating your legs while wearing airy jeans.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthening. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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