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
Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025
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
Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Due to the 12-inch high waist, these jeans create a leg-lengthening effect.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Allred was the top vote-getter in March but did not get enough votes to avoid a runoff against Johnson, lengthening an already nasty race.
—Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Eveningside’s smaller arms holding on to the chains while Morningside’s longer arms propelled them, her fists and excess joints braced against the ground; their span lengthening, extending and retracting in the girls’ to and fro.
—Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Climate change is lengthening that season.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Europe was up 3-1 after foursomes Friday morning last fall and had the same result on Saturday, lengthening their lead to an insurmountable advantage.
—Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 13 May 2026
This lengthening effect happens all the time for all sorts of waves, not just light.
—Big Think, 1 May 2026
Regrading your property, cleaning overflowing gutters, and lengthening downspouts to direct water away from the house can help.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
The solstice signifies the start of winter and also heralds the incremental lengthening of days, symbolizing hope and renewal in many cultures.
—Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025
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
Hudson is 5-foot-6 but appeared supermodel-tall in the photos, thanks in part to her leg-lengthening jeans.
—Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Due to the 12-inch high waist, these jeans create a leg-lengthening effect.
—Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Allred was the top vote-getter in March but did not get enough votes to avoid a runoff against Johnson, lengthening an already nasty race.
—Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 27 May 2026
Eveningside’s smaller arms holding on to the chains while Morningside’s longer arms propelled them, her fists and excess joints braced against the ground; their span lengthening, extending and retracting in the girls’ to and fro.
—Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Climate change is lengthening that season.
—John Drake, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
Europe was up 3-1 after foursomes Friday morning last fall and had the same result on Saturday, lengthening their lead to an insurmountable advantage.
—Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 13 May 2026
This lengthening effect happens all the time for all sorts of waves, not just light.
—Big Think, 1 May 2026
Regrading your property, cleaning overflowing gutters, and lengthening downspouts to direct water away from the house can help.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthening
Noun
-
The second extension lapsed on May 27 without a formal objection filed.—
Sara Germano,
Sportico.com,
3 June 2026
-
Selfie sticks For the safety and comfort of all guests, guests may only bring selfie sticks, handheld extension poles and tripods no longer than 18 inches on board, for use in most areas.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Even five minutes of slower breathing, stepping outside for sunlight, stretching or taking a short walk can help your body transition more smoothly into the day.—
Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
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The top viewpoint is Monte Gelbison, which on clear days offers views stretching as far as the island of Stromboli.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Topline Oracle shares hit a 2026 intraday high Monday, extending a furious late-May rally that has recast the database pioneer as a marquee AI-infrastructure player and boosted the fortune of cofounder Larry Ellison, who holds roughly 40% of the company.—
Alicia Park,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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Israel’s capture of Beaufort, which sits atop a ridge roughly 2,352 feet above sea level, grants it fire-control views of important highways over the Litani River and territories extending into Israel and Syria.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
Leading up to Election Day, the Democratic share of those later ballots, which often determine the outcome in California, was steadily increasing as liberal-leaning voters began to make their choice.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
-
At that time, Musk accused the FTC of aggressively increasing the number of investigative demands.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The green beans provide shade, prolonging the spinach growing season by preventing bolting and excess sun exposure.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
27 May 2026
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In other words, that men live longer and healthier lives if they are backed up by a spouse in doing so, while women don’t see the same support in prolonging their length and quality of life.—
Katharina Buchholz,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
This relaxed pair has leg-elongating front seams — a popular trend among stars like Kelly Clarkson and Laura Dern.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
2 June 2026
-
The long square shape makes this manicure feel even more refined, creating a sleek, elongating effect that keeps things looking effortlessly polished.—
Amanda Le,
InStyle,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthening. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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