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
Relevance
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
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
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
Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Adams expressed hopes that any potential litigation and other ongoing disputes can be resolved without further lengthening the project timeline.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Cuts to federal Medi-Cal financing will destabilize public hospitals, lengthening emergency room waits and reducing services.
—Susan Ellenberg, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
Before the start of the Iran war in late February, China's lead in clean technologies was lengthening.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Start Early and Plant into Fall Maximize your small space by lengthening your growing season.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
These stretchy, flattering jeans come in a range of washes that are both leg-lengthening and easy to move around in.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
Celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Garner have recently worn this leg-lengthening style, which is sleek without feeling tight or restrictive.
—Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
The bill would essentially prioritize people committed under the new process over those waiting for competency restoration services, potentially lengthening the competency waitlist, said Jack Johnson, public policy liaison at Disability Law Colorado.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 5 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
The lengthening deployments come as Ukrainian commanders in other units have warned of personnel issues, acknowledging that the army will never match the manpower of Russia’s far larger military force.
—Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Adams expressed hopes that any potential litigation and other ongoing disputes can be resolved without further lengthening the project timeline.
—Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Cuts to federal Medi-Cal financing will destabilize public hospitals, lengthening emergency room waits and reducing services.
—Susan Ellenberg, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
Before the start of the Iran war in late February, China's lead in clean technologies was lengthening.
—ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Start Early and Plant into Fall Maximize your small space by lengthening your growing season.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
These stretchy, flattering jeans come in a range of washes that are both leg-lengthening and easy to move around in.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 7 Apr. 2026
Celebs like Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Garner have recently worn this leg-lengthening style, which is sleek without feeling tight or restrictive.
—Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026
The bill would essentially prioritize people committed under the new process over those waiting for competency restoration services, potentially lengthening the competency waitlist, said Jack Johnson, public policy liaison at Disability Law Colorado.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lengthening
Noun
-
Nacua is eligible for a massive extension, but the Rams are now taking a wait-and-see approach before making a long-term commitment.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim reported Tuesday that Iran had not requested the extension of the ceasefire.—
Frank Andrews,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Video footage shows motorists in the southeast African country of Mozambique waiting for hours at fuel stations as shortages grip the country, with lines of traffic stretching for blocks and drivers traveling between multiple stations in search of petrol or diesel.—
Yarden Segev,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The move represented the shattering of a tradition of bipartisan support for public broadcasting stretching back more than a half-century.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Also in Lake County, the City of Groveland went through a similar process last year with over 69% of voters choosing to support an ordinance extending council terms from two years to four years and impose term limits for council members and the city’s mayor.—
James Wilkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
-
As survivors watch lawmakers lock horns over the Iran war and the record-long Department of Homeland Security shutdown, some worry extending disaster tax relief will be de-prioritized.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
South Korea is increasing generation at its nuclear plants and speeding up maintenance at five offline reactors, with restarts planned in May.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Bolivia is low on cash after making more than $500 million in debt payments last month, increasing the urgency of reaching a deal with the International Monetary Fund.—
Sergio Mendoza,
Bloomberg,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Most observers believe no Democrat will win a majority in the rapidly approaching May 19 primary, prolonging the party's uncertainty.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Much to the anguish and upset of their adult children, Kevin and Joy, Mavis and Dennis Eccleston decided to end their lives together when 81-year-old Dennis received a terminal cancer diagnosis and declined treatment to avoid prolonging his suffering.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
These remind me of Kate's both in their warm brown color and leg-elongating shape.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Wide-leg jeans are elongating, instantly polished-looking, and can be dressed up or down with ease.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lengthening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lengthening. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
