Synonyms of lengthening

lengthening 1 of 2

noun

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

• extension
• stretching
• prolongation
• elongation
• prolonging
• drawing out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shortening
• curtailment
• abbreviation
• cutback
• abridgment

lengthening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of lengthen

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

• stretching
• extending
• increasing
• prolonging
• elongating
• protracting
• expanding
• dragging (out)
• drawing out
• enlarging
• outstretching
• amplifying
• thinning
• attenuating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shortening
• cutting
• reducing
• decreasing
• curtailing
• diminishing
• cutting back
• lessening
• abridging
• abbreviating
• thickening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lengthening

Noun

The lengthening of the 18-hole course could exclude even more golfers. — New York Times, 26 June 2026

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

These elegant, loose-fitting pull-on pants sit high on the waist, creating a leg-lengthening effect. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

The high-rise pair is fitted through the thighs before widening at the bottom, creating a flattering, leg-lengthening silhouette. — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 7 July 2026

During male puberty, rising testosterone drives the cartilage to grow forward and meet at a sharper angle, while simultaneously lengthening the vocal folds and vocal tract housed just behind it. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

These large-range movements keep your body moving through the stretch, shortening and lengthening your muscles. — Hannah Harper, Health, 1 July 2026

This cropped wide-leg style is made from lightweight denim that feels especially suited for summer, with a leg-lengthening high waist and relaxed shape. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

The mother of the Princess of Wales paired her candy-pink look with lips in a bold cyclamen shade that lit up her smile, while her eyes were accentuated by a bold black line and lengthening mascara. — Laura Scafati, Vanity Fair, 20 June 2026

While there are lash-growth serums, lengthening mascaras, and even professional lash extensions, knowing when and how to use each of these methods is what will actually make a difference. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 June 2026