lengthening 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lengthening

2 of 2

verb

present participle of lengthen

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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
The Philadelphia Phillies entered the trade deadline widely expected to pursue a significant upgrade, with much of the speculation centered on adding a right-handed outfielder capable of lengthening the lineup beyond the infield staples. Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Most formulas offer the same benefits as the very best mascaras—increasing volume and density, lengthening and separating lashes, etc—and deliver results just as effectively. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 3 Aug. 2026 Then Golden State took control down the stretch, lengthening the lead early and scoring 29 points in the fourth to ensure a comfortable final five minutes. Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 The high waist creates a leg-lengthening effect while the delicate straps and scoop neckline show off more of the shoulders and neck, balancing the longer length. Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026 The courts also need lengthening because players are hitting the ball harder. Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 31 July 2026 The sandals were set on a leg-lengthening, covered stiletto heel measuring four inches. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 28 July 2026 Thanks to their leg-lengthening, outfit-elevating magic, flare jeans are a must-have for any wardrobe. Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 28 July 2026 The star wore Agolde’s Arc Jeans, which feature a leg-lengthening wide-leg silhouette that Jennifer Lawrence, Joanna Gaines, and Swift rely on, too — incidentally, the latter also happens to be a wearer of the brand! Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthening
Noun
  • Jokic could’ve signed a four-year, $278-million supermax contract extension this summer.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Guerrero’s season has not matched the standards set by his $500 million extension from last year.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Pro Bowl running back participated in the early walk-through session and team stretching period before moving to the sideline to work with trainers.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Due to this, a few individuals find stretching the lid to fit over the container to be occasionally challenging.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The executive noted that at many busy airports, there is no room for building new terminals and hangars or extending ramp space, making acquisitions the only way to gain entry.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The 5-star LSU commitment answered 11 questions below ranging from extending Stephenson’s NFL legacy to his hidden talent.
    Jack Leo, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The latest revelations about Welch come as the speaker on Wednesday made the rounds of several media outlets in an effort to shore up support for his leadership amid increasing scrutiny.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Medina Diaz ran on increasing public education funding, strengthening the school system, improving aging infrastructure and raising the state minimum wage to $16.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In actuality, that’s the best thing to do since prolonging the repair can lead to a full-on replacement that wasn’t warranted in the first place.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026
  • When prolonging the time around the table, a gin and tonic is typically the digestive drink of choice, although rum and coke would come in a close second.
    Marti Buckley, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Between the tummy-tucking high waist, oversized front tie knot, and leg-elongating stripes, these pants are designed to flatter your figure and keep you comfortable while doing it.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026
  • There’s something incredibly sexy about a mini dress, especially when paired with leg-elongating heels, like in Hailey Bieber’s ensemble.
    Ali Faccenda, InStyle, 28 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthening. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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